CHARLOTTE -- The Beards Because contest kicked off at Dolce Vita in the NoDa district Saturday evening.

The contest calls for all participating men to not shave for the next two months, all to raise awareness and money for the Charlotte Battered Women’s Shelter.

“If we don't raise a dollar from this, which we know we will, it is raising the awareness of domestic violence,”

said co-founder Scott Doerr. “If we can educate just one person out there and raise awareness for domestic violence and how it effects so many people, actually one in three women. Then we have accomplished our goal right there."

Contest organizers say there will be weekly updated pictures on the Beards Because website of all the participants. To donate in the name of each beard grower, or to see the pictures, click http://beardsbecause.com.