If you see people sporting longer hair and extra chin growth next month, it’s all part of a “Let It Grow” initiative involving Long Beach Island police departments and David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation.
Based in Stafford Township, the foundation is a nonprofit organization that raises funds to provide financial assistance, wellness services and hope to families affected by a cancer diagnosis.
The program is an outgrowth of “No Shave November” when police officers grew beards and mustaches for cancer awareness. But the name change is expected to attract more participants.
“Because it now includes hair growth, both men and women can participate,” said David Caldarella, cancer survivor and foundation president and founder. “And it’s not just for police officers. Anyone can get involved.”
He said participants can post photos of themselves with extra hair growth on social media or email them with a link to donate through the group’s website, davidsdreamandbelieve.org.
“This year’s campaign will be a joint effort between our department, Beach Haven Police Department, Ship Bottom Police Department, Surf City Police Department, Long Beach Township Police Department and many other local businesses in the Long Beach Island area,” said Harvey Cedars Police Chief Robert Burnaford. “For the entire month of November, each team will raise awareness and funds, by growing facial hair, that will be 100 percent donated to the foundation.”
“Officers are normally clean shaven,” said Harvey Cedars Deputy Mayor John Imperiale, who is public safety commissioner. “They usually have strict codes when it comes to hair growth. So when people ask about the extra hair growth, officers will tell them about cancer awareness and prevention.”
“This is our fourth year in the campaign” said Beach Haven Police Capt. Tom Medel. “For a month, the officers don’t have to be concerned about shaving and can put their razors away. And with colder air coming, maybe they like having that beard.”
Medel said that during October, police sport pink badges for breast cancer awareness, and in April, wear blue badges to support autism awareness.
“It’s good for police departments to participate in community causes,” he said.
“This is a great way for the community to virtually come together,” said Kristy Koos, who recently became the foundation’s chief operating officer. She had previously served as executive director of the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences.
“When I was there, we did a fundraiser with David’s foundation, so that gave me a good idea how much of a tremendous impact they have on the community. And I’m so glad that now I can be a part of it.”
— Eric Englund
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