No Shave November

Not to be outdone, No Shave November is an initiative that exploded in 2009 after the Chicago-based Hill family lost their father to colon cancer and wanted to raise money for charity in his honor. Since then, No Shavers has helped raise more than $12 million for cancer research and prevention. No Shave November is run by the Matthew Hill Foundation, and participants - men and women - literally grow their hair instead of shaving or grooming it for 30 days. No Shavers then donate the money they don't spend on things like razors, haircuts and waxing appointments to support cancer research and education. The idea is to embrace your hair because so many people undergoing cancer treatments lose theirs. "We recognize that this form of fundraising may not be for everyone and that is fine," says Brett Hartigan, communications coordinator for the Matthew Hill Foundation. "We don't discriminate, but defeating cancer is going to take all of us, which is why we will always encourage everyone to participate and get hairy. What could be more important than raising funds for cancer awareness, screenings and education?" No Shave November encourages people to register and establish fundraising pages, and groups can grow their hair as a team, as well. Even if you have no interest in growing a beard or mustache (or you have no hair!), you can still support a No Shave or make a general donation.