Aaron Will Cut Off His Beard

19 years.  That's the last time I saw what my chin looks like.

I've always thought that at some point I'd cut it off.  I have no desire to do so at the present time.  I kind of like it.  HOWEVER.....if it's going to happen, there's going to be a really good reason for losing it.

How about bringing home our third child?

So here's the deal....I'm willing to sacrifice my beard for our adoption.  I don't WANT to cut it off, so it's not going to be easy.

Rules and Stipulations:

1.  There are two categories that people can donate toward.  As I've told people about the potential of cutting it off several people are excited and others are horrified.  So you can donate money to either
1"Save the Beard" or 2"Cut it Off" .  Because people usually feel pretty strongly one way or the other, and because I'm kind of attached to it, I'm putting the stakes high.

2.  Money that has already been donated or promised does not count toward these goals.  All donations must be new donations.  To be clear, no money previously promised or donated before 12:00am November 1, 2012 will be counted in this contest.

3.  This auction will end only the following ways:

-I will cut my beard if the "Cut it Off" fund instantly raises 5000 dollars to the "Save the Beard funds 0 dollars...Auction will end IMMEDIATELY;
-I will cut my beard if the difference between "Cut it Off" and "Save the Beard" is 4000 (as long as the StB is a minimum of 1000.....so 5000 total raised for our adoption)....Auction will end IMMEDIATELY;
-I will stop the auction and KEEP my beard if the "Save the Beard" fund is 4000 dollars more than the Cut It fund....auction will end IMMEDIATELY; OR
-The auction will end with no results at midnight New Years Day (12:00am EST January 1, 2013)

4.  Money can be donated one of several ways:
-You can directly hand us cash or checks made out to Aaron Reinard;
-You can send us checks made out to Aaron Reinard (please use the memo line to signify which category your money is to be placed in.);
-You can donate using the "Donate Now" button in the right sidebar via Paypal. (make a note of which category money goes to); OR
-You can use the Tax Deductible Giving option in the sidebar as well.  If you use this option, please send us a message telling us what and when you're donating and to which category.  Money will not count until we can verify it with our adoption agency.  However this is a financially responsible option.
NOTE:  While purchases of T-shirts are encouraged and we are supremely grateful, they do not count toward this specific fundraiser.  If you purchase a shirt and include monies above and beyond that of the shirt, you can specify where the extra goes.

5.  Any money that comes in that is not CLEARLY designated for the Cut if Off fund, will automatically go into the "Save the Beard" fund.

6.  I will be weekly updating the graph in the side bar to show all money donated.  Graph will be updated on Sunday afternoons...and probably daily, the final week of the auction if needed.

7.  Should the horrific happen, and I have to shave my beard off....a video and lots of pictures will be taken of the momentous event and posted here for all to see. There may or may not also be an "Event" created via Facebook to physically attend the cutting of said beard.

So for everyone who has desired me to be clean shaven.....it's time to put your money where your mouth is.

For those who think "you won't be Aaron without it".....you better put up or shut up too.

Again, I know I've made it hard to have it cut off.  I'm hoping that it doesn't happen.  I don't mind it.  Marjorie will personally thank all those who donate to Cut if Off though!  (she's not allowed to donate....but she's already plotting with people......so help a brother out.)

So spread the word.  Tell everyone who's ever remotely met me.  Chances are they feel strongly one way or the other about my chin hair.  Direct them here.  At the very least to follow along as we delve into this adventure together.