Students from the Asian American Association say their organization has a long history of raising money for Relay for Life. This year, that history is growing longer – literally.

Nine men from the Asian American Association have pledged not to shave their facial hair for six weeks in exchange for pledges toward their annual participation in Relay for Life.

“We thought if we can grow out our facial hair and have others sponsor us in whatever capacity they want, we can receive a lot of money for Relay for Life,” said Ajay Alexander, senior in LAS and Asian American Association outreach chair. “It’s amazing how much people are really wanting to see how long we want to go with this.”

The event began Jan. 15 and ends Feb. 26. In just two weeks, Tyson Hawkins, junior in LAS, said his facial hair has sparked conversations that have led to pledges and comments from his friends who did not know about his involvement in the fundraiser.

“A lot of my friends have been confused because I’ve never grown my facial hair before,” Hawkins, secretary of the Asian American Association, said. “Most people don’t like facial hair as a look for me, but I explain what I’m doing it for and they’re OK with it for the time being.”

Alexander agreed that his peers have been very encouraging about this sacrifice, most of whom are on the Asian American Association executive board or are highly involved in the organization.

“I have been getting a lot of compliments, and people have told me I look old,” he said. “People have been really supportive.”

Hawkins said this is the first year the Asian American Association has held this type of event to support for Relay for Life, and the organization usually raises money in more traditional ways, such as an annual bake sale.

“My only goal is to have a substantial donation, which to me was about 100 dollars,” Hawkins said. “The expectations were pretty low because we hadn’t done anything like this before.”

Although the organization of 170 members did not set a formal goal for this event, Hawkins is encouraged by the $220 that has been committed to the cause so far.

As it stands, 37 donors have signed on, and he expects the number to grow through alumni outreach efforts.

“I think if we get a really strong response this year, I’m sure whoever participates this year will want to give this contest another try,” Alexander said.

Pledges are being accepted as a flat rate, or donors can donate a designated amount per day that the men don’t shave. Hawkins said supporters are pledging now, and the money will be collected in March.

“Every time there’s a new event, it is hard to get a lot of interest until people see one successful event,” Hawkins said. “Hopefully, we’ll pave the way for next year.”