Hamilton's Blend Bar and Bistro's sixth annual "Movember" drink-for-a-cause charity throughout November kicked off Sunday Nov. 1 with a shaving party.
HAMILTON - Hamilton's Blend Bar and Bistro's sixth annual "Movember" drink-for-a-cause charity kicked off Sunday with a shaving party.
For the month of November, 2-percent of the money the bar earns from selling Bolero Snort Brewery's Moovember Milk Stout will go to The Movember Foundation, which focuses on funding and bringing awareness to men's health issues, such as prostate and testicular cancers.
On Sunday, TJ's Chop Shop Haircutting Lounge, located next to Blend Bar and Bistro, set up a few chairs for the kickoff to shave men's beards as November is also known as a month for men to not shave.
While Blend Bar and Bistro manager Rick Stripp, Jr., with the help of his brother Dan Stripp, started donating beer-sale proceeds through November to the foundation six years ago, this was the first year the bar teamed up with Bolero Snort Brewery and TJ's Chop Shop.
"Our grandfather (Clint Rex) died years ago, before either of us knew him, of prostate cancer," Rick Stripp, Jr., said. "I'm passionate about the charity ... and the guys at Bolero Snort are just as passionate about beer as I am."
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Rick Stripp, Jr. said of shaving his own beard, he had "little to no desire to do it" but will because "it's for a good cause." All proceeds made from the shaves went to The Movember Foundation.
Bolero Snort Brewery sales and event manager Scott Wells, also at the kickoff, said if enough money was raised during the kickoff he would shave his beard as well.
Rick Stripp, Jr., is pictured bottom middle. Scott Wells is second from the left. Bob Olson is second from the right. Brewery Founder Bob Olson was one of the first to shave his beard.
"I look terrible without facial hair," Olson said while under the razor. But he said he was happy to help build on Rick and Dan Stripp's charity efforts.
On Nov. 28 Blend Bar and Bistro will also be hosting a "Stash Bash" to announce the Movember earnings and to celebrate their month of fundraising with live music and giveaways of Movember merchandise, such as stickers and hats.
Rick Stripp, Jr., said he hopes to raise at least $10,000 by the end of November.
Lindsay Rittenhouse may be reached at lrittenhouse@njadvancemedia.com. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
