David Mathews had never worn a moustache. So when he decided to grow one for this year’s movie-themed Movember competition, he went all out.
That meant playing the part of Derek Smalls, a hirsute guitarist from the 1984 mockumentary Spinal Tap whose handlebar moustache extends down to his neck.
Shirtless in pink spandex pants, Mr. Mathews and his thick moustache took the stage with several other moustachioed “Mo Bros” during the BVI Movember Moscars Party on Sunday evening at Nanny Cay.
The four judges were suitably impressed: At the end of the evening, they awarded the attorney the title “Man of Movember.”
Charity
The fanfare was for a cause. The BVI Movember Charitable Trust, which organises the annual contest, is the Virgin Islands branch of an international organisation that raises funds and promotes awareness about prostate cancer and other men’s health issues.
“It started out as a little tiny event at The Dove, and it’s grown into this really big event at Nanny Cay,” said Traci O’Dea, a BVIMCT committee member who emceed on Sunday. “Last year it was over $25,000, because we did a dollar for every resident of the BVI as our goal, which we met. And this year I’m not sure where we are; we just like to beat it every year.”
Since 2007, the VI charity has been encouraging men to shave clean at the start of November and grow a moustache while collecting sponsorships. At the end of the month, participants compete for donated prizes.
In keeping with this year’s theme, on Sunday they dressed in costumes from movies that included Ghandi, Top Gun, The Hunger Games, and “Lawrence of Morabia.”
As the men were escorted across the stage by several “Mo Sisters,” the judges, who included first lady Lorna Smith and BVI Cancer Society President Gloria Fahie, carefully inspected each moustache. Then they awarded prizes in categories including “Best Bromance Mo,” “Best Western Mo” and “Best Action Mo.”
Sailing instructor Folkert “Dutch” Jongkind raised the most donations – $591 – to win the “Show Me the Money” category.
“I really enjoyed it,” he said. “It was for a good cause. And everybody I asked – small donations and this and that – was very happy to give.”
The “Mo Sisters” also competed in one segment, each taking the microphone to explain why they decided to compete for the title of “Best Leading Lady.” H. Lavity Stoutt Community College student Hakeema Matthew emerged the winner.
Awards
Humorous costume aside, Mr. Mathews said he felt a personal connection to the fundraiser.
“Cancer affects all of us,” he said. “I’ve had a couple of cases of cancer in my own family. It’s good to get involved and try and raise some money and make awareness for it.”
After the contest, the Movember winner said that he was looking forward to shaving his month-long growth. His wife Rachael quickly agreed, though she said she supports his efforts.
“It is a very impressive moustache,” she said, “and he has really [been] so committed to it.”
Then she leaned in to give him a quick peck on the lips.
Freeman Rogers contributed to this report.
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