Mustaches for a cause take over November at Manayunk bar

The staff and friends of Lucky’s Last Chance on Main Street in Manayunk will kick off their 2nd Annual “Mo’ Bash” on Thursday from 7 p.m. to midnight. The charity event is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the early detection and prevention of prostate cancer and other men’s health issues.

Mo’ Bash is the culminating celebration for the male staff of Lucky’s, who spend the entire month of November growing and perfecting the art of the mustache as part of the international “Movember” movement.

“Basically, we look like a bunch of idiots for a month,” laughed bartender Chris Pelusi.

Pelusi is responsible for growing Mo’ Bash into what it is today.

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The birth of Mo’ Bash

“I had been participating in Movember for quite a few years,” Pelusi explained, “but it was always something I had just done on my own.”

Jay Fata, Pelusi’s friend and owner of Valor Mens Grooming Lounge in Phoenixville, is a prostate cancer survivor.

“I did it for Jay, but I also did it because I look ridiculous with a mustache and had a good time being made fun of for the month.”

Four years ago, Pelusi’s band played a gig in November.

“We walked into the venue and literally every man in the room had a mustache…It was crazy,” Pelusi said. It was then that he realized the power of Movember.

Pelusi did not have a hard time convincing his co-workers to start the Lucky’s version of a Movember celebration. At the time, the bar’s managing partner, Chris Barnes, had recently lost a friend to cancer himself, so the idea of the Mo’ Bash just seemed to make sense.

A community event

Calling upon the aid of friends and local businesses in the Manayunk community, last year’s inaugural Mo’ Bash was met with a ton of success, and a lot of mustaches. From the Fu Manchu to the handlebar, the men say they enjoyed growing and discussing their facial hair.

“People don’t really notice a shaved face,” Pelusi said, “but when you have a mustache, you immediately start getting the questions.” For the guys at Lucky’s, that becomes the opportunity to share their knowledge.

The event will include an auction where attendees can bid on artwork and goods from Main Street businesses. Sweet Elizabeth’s will be serving up a mustache-inspired cake.

“We love to see how much the event has evolved,” Pelusi said. “It’s created so much buzz locally and is a great representation of the small community of men and women we have here on Main Street…it was important for us to keep that vibe. It’s going to be a great time.”

A $15 donation is recommended at the door and you must be 21+ to attend.

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