A beard may be the club's trademark, but giving back is what truly defines Cape Beard. For more than a decade, the Fayetteville-based beard and mustache club has been serving the community through charitable events, and one of its most anticipated traditions returns this summer. Show Me Your Cans invites the community to enjoy an afternoon of live local music while helping stock the shelves of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina.
"We are a local beard and mustache club," said Cape Beard President Doug Cameron. "Founded in 2011, we are a group of guys with facial hair that try to make a difference in our community and have fun and brotherhood while doing it."
This year's event marks the ninth Show Me Your Cans food drive, bringing together local music and community support for a meaningful cause. The first event was held in 2012, and after a few years of growth, the fundraiser has become an annual tradition for the past five years.
"This is our 9th SUYC event," Cameron said. "We coordinated local musicians to play for our audience, and we will collect five canned food items as donations for admission," said Cameron. "We do also accept $5 instead of the cans."
Every donation collected benefits the Second Harvest Food Bank, helping provide meals to families throughout the region. Cameron said any nonperishable food items are appreciated, and monetary donations are also forwarded to the food bank to support its mission. In addition to live music, attendees can enjoy Cape Beard's signature Beard Burgers and Stache Dogs while supporting the food drive.
For Cape Beard, addressing food insecurity is personal.
"We all have needed help at some time in our lives or know someone who has needed the service of the food bank," Cameron said. "It is important for us to help when we can."
While attendees see the music and food, much of the work happens behind the scenes. Club members and volunteers collect donations throughout the day, transport food from collection sites and prepare and serve food during the event.
"Picking up collections and handling the donations as they come in during the event," Cameron said. "They will also be cooking and serving Beard Burgers and Stache Dogs."
The event is designed to be more than just a food drive. Cameron hopes visitors leave with a greater appreciation for the power of community.
"We hope they have a good time listening to some good local musicians and have a sense of community while providing a needed benefit to those needing assistance," he said.
Those who cannot attend can still participate by dropping off donations at one of several community collection sites before the event. A list of locations is available on Cape Beard's Facebook page, where updates and event information are also posted.
Show Me Your Cans is just one of several ways Cape Beard gives back throughout the year. The organization also hosts its annual Pig Pickin' fundraiser each spring and Beardtoberfest, a beard and mustache competition held each fall. Both events rely on community sponsorships, raffle donations and volunteers to help continue the club's charitable work.
Whether someone arrives with a bag of canned goods, a cash donation or simply a healthy appetite for a Beard Burger, every contribution helps make a difference. For Cape Beard, the mission has always been about more than collecting food; it is about bringing people together to support the community.
"We hope they have a good time listening to some good local musicians and have a sense of community while providing a needed benefit to those needing assistance," said Cameron.
Show Me Your Cans will take place Saturday, Aug. 15, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at North South Brewing at 304 Williams St. For event updates, collection information, and additional details, visit the event page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/1342731271386302