Getting to know our employees: How can a moustache make a difference?
Blog 2 in a series of “Getting to Know Our Employees”. We’re a company of techie’s but what we do doesn’t define who we are. We have fabulous team members who each have their own interests, hobbies and view on life outside of CollabraSpace and we’d like to share our team with you. The second in our series is Benjamin Kegel. Enjoy!
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How can a moustache make a difference?
What started as a bet to see who can grow the best mo’, short for moustache, has become a worldwide phenomenon promoting men’s health initiatives. The Movember Foundation, started in 2003, raises funds and awareness for the issues that affect men’s health. The foundation has partnered with the Livestrong Foundation and the Prostate Cancer Foundation to further research of prostate and testicular cancers. Movember participants, whom are named Mo’ Bros and Mo’ Sistas act as local ambassadors for the foundation by spreading awareness and raising funds in their communities. As a way of displaying their support for the cause, Mo’ Bros pledge to grow a moustache for the duration of Movember.
In 2012, CollabraSpace team member Benjamin Kegel took on the challenge to grow a mustache in support of the Movember cause. He formed a team of friends and co-workers from CollabraSpace to participate and named it Boh’s Mo Bros. The team is named for a famous Baltimore icon, Mr. Boh, who also wields a dashing moustache. Much like the founders of Movember, Ben’s efforts of growing a moustache inspired him to delve deeper into the cause. The mo’ became a conversation starter about men’s health leading to a deeper knowledge about his family’s medical history and awareness of the issues that affect him directly. Having such a successful, inspirational, and fun first year, the team decided to continue their efforts into 2013.
This year, the Boh’s Mo Bros welcomed four members of our CollabraSpace family. Dominic Kerchner and Benjamin Kegel were returning members, and the addition of Mo Bro, David Schwartz and Mo Sista’, Rachael Lusby. The team held two fundraising events; a happy hour at DuClaw in Arundel Mills and an End of Movember Silent Auction at Diamondback Tavern in Ellicott City. The silent auction and the proceeds from a portion of the sales at both restaurants amounted to a fundraising effort totaling $1193. The most sought after basket at the silent auction was donated by CollabraSpace, featuring Washington Capitals gear and two tickets to a game. With the success of the two events and the combined fundraising efforts of the team a total of $1,618 was donated to Movember. This was possible because of the support and generous donations from CollabraSpace and its members. The Boh’s Mo Bros are actively seeking new members. If you are interested or would like additional information contact Benjamin Kegel.
Mark your calendars and shave the date for next year!
—Benjamin Kegel, Technical Consultant
