EL CAJON, Calif. — The annual FD PD Octoberstache is in full swing and East County firefighters and police officers have spent the past month raising money and growing out their mustaches, all for a good cause. The finale to the 13th annual Octoberstache is coming up on November 4.
In another edition of our Working for our Community series, we share how two worthy families will benefit.
"It's cool to see how big it's become and how much of an impact we can have," firefighter and paramedic Louie Kinoshita said.
What started as a friendly competition among East County police and firefighters, now involves 14 agencies today.
"It started with a bunch of guys, not shaving for the month of October and throwing money in a pot," Kinoshita said.
The winner that year, ended up donating the pot to one of the guy's sister, who had breast cancer and like the 'staches, the generosity only continued to grow. FD PD Octoberstache is now a non-profit, that helps countless families and causes.
"We've donated to the Challenged Athletes Foundation, Shelter to Soldiers, Make A Wish," he said.
They typically look for a local family first. This year, there are two families who will receive the money raised.
"It's mind-blowing to them, total strangers are coming out to donate to a good cause," Fire Captain Adam Diaz said.
The Yeager family is one recipient this year. Mom Sarah, is an El Cajon Police Department Communications Dispatcher. Dad, David works for CalFire. Their daughter Maddie died one month ago at the age of 23 from Leukemia.
"We support local families in need and it's a great thing to do," Captain Diaz added.
The Durel's are the second family to benefit from Octoberstache - specifically Ashley, a mom of two little girls. Her dad is the Batallion Chief for San Miguel. She has Glioblastoma, which is a rare form of brain cancer.
"A diagnosis like that is very scary and heartbreaking and it makes you not take life for granted," Diaz said.
Happy to report, she just recently announced, there's been no new growth.
These crews save lives every day, so their non-profit is right on par and they do so, in a fun way.
"October 28th, we'll be doing a ping pong and corn hole tournament at the Ronald Reagan Community Center from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. You can sign up to play, or just show up and watch," Kinoshita said.
Then, the finale which includes a raffle, and mustache contest will be held on November 4th, from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Burning Beard Brewing Company in El Cajon.
"We have seven different categories, so even people who can't grow mustaches, there's a category for that so it's all fun and games," Kinoshita added.
Working for Our Community | CBS 8 Special (October 2023)