Many thanks to Brian and Mary and fam for the most recent pledge. That’s one beardsly closer to reaching my goal from one family who is off the charts awesome. I really, truly appreciate it!

That means I’m now just $190 shy of wearing this beard to plunge day and reaching my goal of raising $2,250 dollars for the MN Polar Plunge and The Special Olympics.

Regardless of what happens, what a journey it’s been. I can’t believe that 38 days ago, I was a baby-faced future polar plunger and today I’m the Brawney man in a polo shirt. I wish I had worn plaid today. Also I may have to check my beard ego.

Here’s what I looked like on Day 0:

And you can see above where I am today. I’ve had lots of compliments on the beard along this journey and I can truly say I’ll miss the look. I say I’m at “full growth” stage right now. It’s full, it’s covered and it’s warm. Adria says I’m at “kissing the brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner” stage. To each our own!

Regardless, once PlungeBeard is done, I’ll be shaving this beautiful face fur off and returning to mild-mannered, smooth-shorn Paul.

It just doesn’t have to be on Wednesday. That’s why I’m asking for any pledge from anybody.

Let me live my dream and jump into the lake on Saturday with a beautiful, full beard!

Between the beard and the Special Olympics, think of all the dreams that will come true!

That’s why I’m asking for one, final few pledges. Let’s ride this thing all the way to the Eden Prairie Polar Plunge in Riley Lake!

To do that, though… I need you to

PLEDGE!