Austin Community College District (ACC) police officers participating in a fundraiser benefiting pediatric cancer research said goodbye to their beards in a public shaving event. The event took place at Highland Campus Friday, January 4, to commemorate the end of the two-month-long Beard It Up/Color for the Cure campaign.

Through the fundraising campaigns, ACC officers raised more than $4,000 to support The Cure Starts Now, a foundation dedicated to finding a cure for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, one of the most aggressive forms of cancer that affects children almost exclusively.

"Not only has it been a good thing for the community and the charity, but the officers had a lot of fun with it and it's really helped morale," says Chief Lynn Dixon, ACC District Police Department.

More than 60 officers — men and women — participated, each making a donation of $50 to either grow a beard or color their hair, or $30 to grow a goatee or color their nails during November and December.

"It's great to have a beard, but it's also great to get it off. This has been the longest I've gone without shaving," says Officer David Powers.

Barbers from Luis' Corner Barber Shop volunteered to give the officers a clean shave at the event. "David (Powers) has been a customer for years, and it is a great cause. We were more than happy to help," says Luis Salinas, barber shop owner.

The Cure Starts Now has funded more than $12.5 million in cancer research, resulting in over 80 cutting-edge research grants in six countries since 2007.