It is once again time for the annual REACHH fundraiser, No Shave for the Brave November. During November, anyone in the area who can grow facial hair can compete to raise money for the REACHH Child Advocacy Center (CAC). At the end of the fundraiser, there will be awards for the best and worst beards.
The fundraiser is hosted entirely through an online platform. Participants sign up at https://noshave2021.causevox.com/, where they will post pictures of their progress. The goal is to not shave throughout the entire month. There is a $25 fee to sign up and then, people donate money, on the same platform, to their favorite “beard.” Participants compete against one another to see who can raise the most money.
Every year, the funds raised during No Shave for the Brave November go towards helping children in the community who are dealing with trauma and abuse. Felisha Hartwell with the REACHH Child Advocacy Center said, “All of the money we raise goes towards the Child Advocacy Center and helping us in our fight to end child abuse here in Summers County.” It is called No Shave for the Brave because the children involved in these situations always display incredible and enviable bravery. According to Hartwell, part of this year’s funds will go toward improvements for the new CAC location.
Recently, REACHH was able to purchase a new house. This new location at 406 Summers Street, will be the new home of the CAC. According to Hartwell, the house needs some renovations before they will be able to move the center. In addition to some basic renovations, they also have to make the house ADA accessible. This means putting in a wheelchair ramp, altering the restrooms and other similar changes. Hartwell noted that this new location will provide roughly, “…three to four times the space we have now.”
Over time, the small space that the center currently occupies has presented several challenges. An example Hartwell gave involved a situation where they would need to perform a forensic interview. This would cause anything else going on to have to stop or be postponed.
“With us having a much larger space, we’re going to be able to provide a variety of services at the same time, so one service doesn’t overrule another,” Hartwell said.
Hartwell said they are told that the new building is the second oldest house in Hinton. She also said, “We are so excited because it is beautiful and full of beautiful potential.” Hartwell continued, “I can’t wait to see what we do with this house, but also just to be able to provide more for our children in our new space is going to be great for them and us.”
If you can grow facial hair, consider joining No Shave for the Brave November and raise money for a great cause. Even if you can’t grow facial hair, you can still help; challenge others to take the pledge. The more people that participate, the more money goes to helping children in Summers County. Hartwell said, “May all of our children win and good luck to all of the participants.”
Participants can sign up at any time but are asked to wait until Nov. 1 to begin sharing and promoting their profiles. After Nov. 1, Hartwell said it is “No holds barred.”
For more information, go to the REACHH-FRC/Child Advocacy Center Facebook page.
