Forget scarves and high collars. Some men on campus will be keeping their faces warm the old-fashioned way this month: with beards.<br/>

While some may be participating in No-Shave November for fun or convenience, a few of these furry fellows are helping to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Zeta Chi fraternity is taking advantage of the popular event by sponsoring a beard contest.

Warren Swenson, Zeta Chi philanthropy chair, said the fraternity hoped to capitalize on the number of people who already planned to eschew their razors this month.

“I’ve been planning on taking part in it this year before I heard about Zeta Chi’s fundraiser, but after I heard about (the fundraiser) it was just more fuel to the fire,” sophomore Matt Fry said.

During the first week of November, 13 people signed up in Harter Union Lobby and had their pictures taken.

At the end of the month Swenson said the participants will have new, hairier pictures taped to jars, which people will drop money in to vote for their favorite beard.

Freshman Sean Nordeen said he signed up because of cancer’s widespread impact.

“Without participation, then nothing happens,” Nordeen said. “It’s like politics.”

Nathan Poell, technical services librarian, said the event had two big benefits for him–money for a worthy cause and one less tedious morning task.

“The straight truth is I really don’t like shaving, and so any excuse I can have not to shave is more than welcome,” Poell said. “Plus, you know, I imagine we’ve all known someone who has kind of fought with cancer and dealt with a bad situation like that.”

Swenson said he is looking forward to seeing the contestants’ results.

“We’re going to hopefully have a lot of generated interest with the contestants and what they do with their beards,” Swenson said. “Maybe some of them will do really unique things, really cool things with them.”

Swenson said he hopes to see the campus embrace both the beards and the cause.

“I think it’s sort of a fun little event that promotes campus unity and we can get some students and faculty and staff alike to take part in a little zany cause,” Swenson said. “But really I think, at the end of the day, if you’re going to participate, whether you’re going to vote or just make a contribution, the money’s going to a good cause.”