First-ever End of Movember Ball had shaving, balls and mustaches for everyone

If the men of New York City seemed a bit hairier than usual this month, they were probably taking part in Movember, a men’s health initiative to raise awareness and money not by the usual 5K fun walks or bake sales, but by growing mustaches.

Last night, the first-ever End of Movember Ball was held at Refinery Rooftop, a meatball competition where the chefs had also taken part in Movember – win or lose, everyone went home with a ceremonial shave from Freeman’s Sporting Club. Judges Daniel Holzman of The Meatball Shop, Ali Rosen of Potluck Video and “The Sopranos” actor Dominic Chianese awarded chef Tim Cushman of Covina the Mustached Meatball trophy, while Trademark’s Adrienne Guttieri’s take on the classic Italian meatball won the audience’s vote.

Proceeds from the evening, which rolled along thanks to an open bar of cocktails by Jameson Black Label (with mustachioed straws, of course), benefitted the Movember Foundation.