Story Time Boys and Girls

I met Matt Thomas, the founder of Brawl for a Cause right before Christmas of 2017, and we immediately hit it off. Matt has tremendous passion for this organization, and I was drawn to his energy, because it was simply contagious. After discussing scenarios around me becoming one of the brawlers in this year's event, we discovered that it was not a good fit for me to be one of the participants THIS year, but I still wanted to be a part of it in some sort of capacity. Fast forward six weeks later, and after spending a weekend on a farm in Middle Georgia hunting hogs, an idea popped into my head to get involved in another way, other than just posting flyers about the event encouraging people to attend.

It was time to shave my beard

Beard Evolution 2015-2018

I have been growing this furry face creature for the past three years. I am attached to it. My brand is attached to it. It is a part of me. Through hundred of people's pleas coming from most women in my world, namely my Mom and late Grandmother, it survived as a representation of a phase of my life. I started growing this beard (as well as my hair on my head) while I was sailing around the world on a 40 foot yacht in 2015. It was the freest I have ever felt traveling from port to port learning the nautical trade, experiencing new cultures, and generally living one of the most unforgettable experiences of my 30 years of living. I saw it as an opportunity to "do what I want" with life. And if doing what I wanted meant looking like a sailor on the open seas that didn't have time for a razor, then so be it. I thought it would be a temporary face accessory, but upon returning to Atlanta six months after my sailing voyage started, I decided to keep my beard for a little while longer.

Fast forward to three years later, and my beard has now shaped up to look like I'm applying to be the next costar on "Duck Dynasty." But it has been tough to part with because it's a part of my identity and who I am; rather, who I was. One lesson I've learned from this phase of life is that it's ok to be free, but it's not ok to shut out God. As I have lived these past couple of years, my "do what I want" method has turned into selfish thinking that this is my life and I don't have to answer to anyone. I have strayed further from the person God wants me to be, and simultaneously, have lost my foundation of who I am as a man. It has been a painful and conflicting time, but as I look to shed this skin and emerge into my next phase of life, I have put God back at the center of my life. The shaving of the beard is symbolic to my commitment to doing things God's way, instead of relying on my own limited control of what I think should happen.

But enough with the personal stuff, the bottom line is I'm going to be showing off my new face, and I hope that you will contribute to this awesome cause to ensure that Matt can continue to change lives with this life-changing event. If we reach our goal, I will be shaving my beard live at Brawl for a Cause on Saturday, February 17th so that everyone can experience in person what my real face even looks like now. I'm going to look like a 14 year old boy.

Tiered Fundraising:- $1,000: Ringside Table Raffle
- $2,500: Beard shaved on camera
- $5,000: Beard shaved in the BFAC ring at MBS
- $10,000: Shave the beard in the pictured Mermaid outfit
- $25,000: Head shaved
- $50,000: Eyebrows shaved (At this point, I'm All In)

Donor Tier:
- $10: Name one of the fallen beard hairs after you
- $25: Ticket Raffle (chance to win a pair of tickets valued at $200)
- $50: Handle Mentioned on IG (include handle in donation)
- $100: Table Raffle (chance to win ringside table valued at $1000)
- $250: Get to take a snip of my beard in the ring
- $500: Locket of Tribble's beard in a heart pendant so you can cherish it forever and ever.
- Top Donor gets first cut

These are incentives for donating, but this really isn't about me shaving or really about me at all. This is about giving back in a fun way and the valiant brawlers who will be duking it out with each other, fighting for causes they believe in.

Thank you all for getting involved in something greater than yourselves. And thanks for helping me change the world one fallen beard hair at a time.

Cause- Brawl For a Cause

No matter how old you are; how big your muscles; how busy your schedule; how pretty your face... No matter what, some things are worth fighting for.

Brawl for a Cause trains, equips and inspires everyday people to literally fight for what they believe in. First-timers train and fundraise for months to get in the ring and take punches for a cause close to their heart.

Literally throwing down for your charity isn't for everyone though. People brawl for their cause in different ways. Some volunteer once a month. Some write checks to help their cause's budget. Some raise awareness by spreading the word or donating something dear to them. With your help, Tribble will give his beard and your donation dollars to benefit the organization that supports and empowers everyday heroes. Your contribution will spread the mission of Brawl for a Cause farther and wider than ever before, so that more everyday people will have the opportunity to fight and fundraise for causes close to their hearts.

To learn more about Brawl for a Cause, and the event at Mercedes Benz Stadium on February 17th, visit our site and empower everyday people fighting for what they believe in most!

Raise It To Shave It - Beard For A Cause

By Tribble Reese

Raise It To Shave It - Beard For A Cause