For the past three years, Westerville North High School history teacher Dr. Ben Hartnell has organized the sale of what he calls “beardly” apparel - t-shirts with a beard theme. (Dr. Hartnell, for those who don't know him, sports a rather large and impressive red beard.)
In 2011, North sold “Fear the Beard” shirts. In 2012, it was “Elect the Beard” shirts. Last year, the theme was “Reinbeard” shirts. To date, over $10,000 has been raised through the sale of these shirts, and the profits have been donated to Caring & Sharing, an organization that provides food, clothing and toys for Westerville-area families in need.
This year, Dr. Hartnell’s Advisory chose to support three causes with the sale of camouflage and hunter green “beardly” apparel: the American Cancer Society, the Wounded Warriors Project, and Caring & Sharing. The front features the now iconic orange beard logo and the words, “BATTLE BEARD”. The back contains the quote, “Sometimes the strongest people in the morning are the people who cried all night.” For $6 dollars more, buyers have the option of personalizing their apparel in honor of someone fighting (or lost to) cancer; someone wounded (or lost to) war; or someone going through a battle of their own. This feature will say, “I wear my Battle Beard For ___________.”
Sale of the t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, crewneck sweatshirts, and hoodies began Wednesday, November 5 and lasts until Thursday, November 20. Profits raised will be donated in the name of Westerville City Schools to the American Cancer Society, the Wounded Warriors Project, and Caring & Sharing. Those interested in buying “beardly” apparel should visit Westerville North’s website, www.westervillenorth.com; Westerville City School’s website, www.westerville.k12.oh.us; Dr. Hartnell’s website, www.drhartnell.com; or the J.C. Manny website, http://mannestores.com/thebeard.