Hello everyone - I am making a tremendous sacrifice this month by, wait for it, NOT SHAVING. And listen, I'm a guy who likes to shave. I like the crisp, clean feeling of a smooth face. But not this month. No sir. I am going to not shave and grow a "beard" to raise awareness and hopefully some $$$ for an amazing cause - The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. This organization supports young people 15-39 battling cancer - as well as their families so that no one goes through the fight alone. I'm also raising funds in memory of my friend Derek Meizlish who died from leukemia at age 23 many years ago. I think of him often.  So won't you throw in a few dollars to the cause? I would really apprecaite it! 

About the Beard Off 

The Beard Off Challenge began as a bet among a group of friends who wanted to see who could grow the best beard. It grew gloriously and in just three years has “fund-razed” over $70,000 for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. With a great beard comes great responsibility. All Bearders are committed to raising funds and, most importantly, awareness for The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, a non-profit dedicated to creating a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, impacted by cancer.

About the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults

At age 19, Doug Ulman was preparing for his sophomore year at Brown University. He was a healthy, active college student and Division I soccer player. One event would change his life forever. Doug was diagnosed with Chondrosarcoma, a malignant tumor, located on a rib in his back.

The Founding of the UCF | 1997

Frustrated by the lack of resources and literature to speak to the unique needs of young adults affected by cancer, Doug and his family created The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults to fill this gap.

Helping Young Adults| 1997 – Present

Since our creation, the UCF expanded our reach to provide young adults and their families with a unique and comprehensive system of support. The UCF growth has resulted in many programs and services available across the United States.

This year's Beard Off for Cancer is Presented by M&T Bank

M&T Bank is considered one of the country's most highly regarded regional banks. We've built our business on a tradition of reliability, accuracy, and responsiveness to the needs of our customers. Founded 160 years ago, M&T Bank has a longstanding tradition of careful, conservative and consistent management. You’ll find M&T Bank to be a reliable bank that’s strong and stable, a local bank that’s committed to the communities we serve and a responsive bank that cares about what’s important to you, your family and your business.

One of our core beliefs is that the well-being of the bank is dependent upon the well-being of the communities we serve. Each year, we contribute more than $4.1 million to over 500not-for-profits in Maryland.  The Baltimore Business Journal ranked M&T the 5th most generous company in the region.

M&T’s clients have access to a wide array of financial solutions for your personal, business and commercial banking needs, designed to accommodate the way you bank today, while helping you build financial security for the future.