Timberline Bank in Grand Junction, Colorado, kicks off its annual No Shave November challenge on November 1, 2025, urging men to grow their facial hair all month long. This fun event aims to spotlight men’s health issues and collect funds for the oncology department at Community Hospital’s Grand Valley Oncology.
The initiative brings the community together to tackle serious topics like cancer prevention and early detection through a lighthearted competition. Bank staff and locals alike join in, turning beards into symbols of support for vital health causes.
What Makes This Challenge Special
No Shave November has become a beloved tradition at Timberline Bank, blending community spirit with real impact on local health efforts. Each year, participants start fresh with a clean shave on November 1 and commit to no trimming until December arrives. This simple act not only sparks conversations about men’s wellness but also drives donations straight to programs that help fight cancer in the Western Slope region.
The event ties into broader awareness months like Movember, which focuses on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. In Colorado, where one in two men faces a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, such local drives play a key role in pushing for better screening and support. Timberline Bank’s version stands out by keeping all proceeds local, ensuring every dollar aids neighbors right at home.
Experts note that events like this reduce stigma around men’s health visits. Many men skip routine checkups, but growing a beard can serve as a conversation starter with friends and family about getting screened early.
How to Get Involved in the 2025 Challenge
Joining the Timberline Bank No Shave November is straightforward and open to anyone in the Grand Junction area. Individuals can register solo for a $150 fee, while teams of four or more pay $500 total, making it easier for groups to band together. Once signed up, you’ll get an email with a payment portal for extra donations and instructions to upload a “before” photo, showing your clean-shaven start.
Teams add extra excitement, as only the leader handles the initial signup, then shares a link for others to join and post their pics. Throughout the month, participants spread the word on social media, encouraging more pledges and shares to boost awareness. No shaving means full commitment, but it pays off with the chance to support life saving oncology work.
Here are the basic steps to participate:
- Clean shave by November 1 and snap a photo.
- Register online via the bank’s event page.
- Rally friends for teams or go solo.
- Collect donations from supporters.
- Stay unshaven until month’s end for the big reveal.
This setup keeps things simple while maximizing community buy in.
Prizes and Community Fun Await
The real thrill comes at the end of November, when participants gather for awards that celebrate creativity and dedication. Categories include best beard for style, longest beard for sheer growth, and best team name for humor. Past winners, like bank employee Riar Geer who has taken top spots multiple years, share stories of the friendly rivalry that keeps everyone motivated.
These prizes turn the challenge into a social highlight, often featuring events like “Barber at the Bank” where folks get trims, take group photos, and present oversized checks to the hospital. In 2024, the gathering drew crowds for gift bags and laughs, strengthening bonds while honoring the cause. Such moments remind everyone that health talks can be enjoyable, not just serious.
| Award Category | Description | Past Winner Example |
|---|---|---|
| Best Beard | Most stylish or creative facial hair | Riar Geer, Timberline Bank staff |
| Longest Beard | Impressive length achieved in 30 days | Individual competitor from 2024 |
| Best Team Name | Funniest or most clever group entry | Local business team in prior years |
This table highlights how the awards add playful competition to the serious fundraising.
The Bigger Impact on Men’s Health
Timberline Bank’s challenge goes beyond beards to make a tangible difference in men’s health outcomes. All funds support Grand Valley Oncology, which handles everything from treatment to survivor support in the Grand Junction community. In 2024 alone, the event raised over $12,000, funding research and care that directly helps local men battling cancer.
Nationwide, the American Cancer Society projects 2 million new cases in 2025, with prostate cancer leading men’s diagnoses and causing nearly 36,000 deaths. In Colorado, men face higher rates at 414 per 100,000, underscoring the need for initiatives like this. By tying into No Shave November’s global push, the bank amplifies messages on early detection, which can cut mortality by up to 30 percent for many cancers.
Local efforts also address mental health, as growing isolation affects many men post diagnosis. The challenge encourages open talks, much like how Grand Junction Police Department’s similar event has donated thousands over years. This layered approach not only raises cash but builds a supportive network that lasts year round.
Looking Back at Past Successes
Timberline Bank has hosted this challenge for several years, each time growing in participation and impact. The 2024 edition wrapped with a festive event full of photos, barber services, and gratitude for donors. Proceeds went fully to Grand Valley Oncology, aiding treatments for prostate and other men’s cancers prevalent in the area.
Earlier drives show steady progress, with teams from businesses and families competing fiercely yet supportively. One standout was a multi year winner who shaved after a decade, calling it a refreshing way to give back. These stories inspire newcomers, proving small actions like skipping the razor can fund big changes in community health.
As Colorado’s cancer plan for 2021 to 2025 emphasizes prevention, events like this align perfectly, filling gaps in awareness and resources.
Community members, join the Timberline Bank No Shave November challenge this year to grow more than just beards, grow support for men’s health. Share your participation stories in the comments below and spread the word on social media to help raise even more funds.
