Nuclear power boosts Movember cause

Things are about to get a little hairier in Costa Mesa.

Members of Costa Mesa’s Team Nuclear are again letting their facial hair grow in support of Movember, a national campaign that encourages men to grow their own “mo” or mustache, in November, to educate people about prostate cancer and other male health issues.

“Men have a history of not having conversations about their health,” said Jim Fitzpatrick, a member of the charity group and Costa Mesa planning commission chairman. “The mustaches are designed to engage a dialogue.”

There are 120 people on the team, which was ranked No. 1 in the United States for raising more than $188,000 for the cause in 2012. This year, their goal is $225,000.

“My wife doesn’t kiss me for the month and my kids make fun of me, but it’s worth it,” Fitzpatrick said.

The team has planned a variety of fundraising events including a Mo Stache Ride on Saturday. Team members will bike around Newport, starting at Balboa Saloon at noon and ending at Tap Shack at 6 p.m. The team is also hosting a poker night Nov. 16 and a golf tournament and 19th hole celebration at the Wild Goose in Costa Mesa on Nov. 21.

Newport Rib Co. will also be donating 20% of proceeds this month to Movember. To see a full description of events, visit their website, us.movember.com/team/966029.

Team captain John Cornuke of Newport Beach said while his mustache is already getting itchy, it hasn’t dulled his excitement for the month’s events.

“It’s really about bringing the community together,” he said. “It’s great to see all the dads getting their families involved.”

—Hannah Fry

Twitter: @HannahFryTCN