One of campus’ most unique fundraisers was created by two Utah State students who wanted the chance to grow out their facial hair during the month of November and “still get girls to date” them. Ryan Lambert and Scott Laneri sat in the library and decided the best way to accomplish both goals was to make it into a fundraiser. It was a small idea that they never thought would make a significant difference in the lives of many.
The first fundraiser was in 2012 – “Beards for Ben” raised money for a local firefighter and father to five kids, diagnosed with stage III Myxoid Liposarcoma. There were several events during the month, each a fundraiser dedicated to Ben. Lambert said that the money that they raised wasn’t nearly enough to cover his medical bills. At the last event, however – the “Beard Showcase” – Ben announced that the money that students raised would give the family Christmas. Beards for Ben raised a little over $1,300.00. That small contribution made a huge difference for that family and made the students passionate about the cause.
The next year had an even better turnout when Bonnie Telford, who was diagnosed with stage III Breast Cancer, was chosen. The students nearly doubled the amount of money raised and the amount of students that volunteered their time to help. “More people came out and it really showed how much of a difference just word of mouth could make,” Lambert said.
This year another Aggie alumnus was chosen – Loretta, who was diagnosed earlier this year with stage IV Neuroendocrine cancer, a type of cancer found only in 1% of all malignant tumors. Neuroendocrine cancer affects less than 2,000 people a year, and is usually found in the lungs of smokers. It was completely unexpected in such a healthy woman, and unfortunately no explanation could be offered from doctors. Both Loretta’s daughter and her son-in-law are current students at Utah State.
All of the events happen during the month of November. “What you have to understand is that this fundraiser is very unorganized and very last minute.” The fundraiser kicked-off with a Chic-Fil-A night on Wednesday, November 5, where 20% of the each meal ordered went back to Loretta. The volunteers are given the opportunity to do their part and find opportunities to help.
One fraternity on campus, Sigma Phi Epsilon has always joined the national campaign for as a part of their philanthropies, and decided to dedicate the yearly “Mustache Bash” party in that honor to Loretta this year. Her son in law is a member and the brothers decided that it hit close to home.
President’s Cabinet, an extension of USUSA, dedicated their annual dodgeball tournament to Beards For Loretta, where the proceeds will go to the fundraiser after the event is held on November 15. At a volunteer meeting at the end of October, Lambert and Laneri explained to volunteers that anyone had the freedom to seek out different opportunities to raise money for the cause on their own.
All of the events eventually lead up to the grand finale, the Beard Showcase. This year it lands on November 24 where judges decide who has the best leg/facial hair in different categories, along with beard crafts, a musical number, giant raffle, silent auction, and plenty of opportunities to donate. The students are the ones who go out to businesses in the community to get donations and they usually round up some pretty big items.
When asked why they continue this tradition, Lambert emphasized that this fundraiser wasn’t affiliated with any association or club on campus. It is all about Aggies coming out and doing good in the community for a member of the Aggie family. “The students and the people just care – that is what makes Utah State unique,” Lambert said.
These events are open to any student who wants to make a difference for this family. The events are aimed for students so that they can be a part of the changes made.
The effects extend a lot further than the money but in the feeling of receiving help from Utah State students. Most college students tend to be on the broke side, so the money given to these families means more. This fundraiser is about helping out a fellow Aggie that is going through something that can’t be solved, but can aided with the help of love and charity. The tradition that Ryan Lambert and Scott Laneri created is a true testament of what being an Aggie really means – taking care of each other and making this community a better place.
For more information on Loretta and her fight, and how to get involved with the fundraiser visit the website:
http://www.loveforloretta.us/
