By Collin Lessing, [Joining Vision and Action] 

I had two heroes as a kid: David Robinson and my dad. I grew up admiring Robinson because he was the greatest sports hero my hometown of San Antonio had ever known, and he stood at an awe-inspiring 7’1”. Every child I grew up with admired David Robinson. I looked up to my other hero, my dad, because of his tall tales of fighting polar bears in the Arctic with only his bare hands, standing up to biker gangs and ruffians on lonesome dark highways, and of course there was the time he dodged arrows flying at his head while traversing uncharted, treacherous regions of Texas. For nearly every place or landmark we passed, my dad had a story to add to his legend.

As I got older, I continued to admire these two men, but for different reasons. David Robinson proved to be an outstanding role model and humanitarian. Demonstrating a commitment to education, he strengthened the San Antonio community by creating The Carver Academy—an independent school that serves low-income African American and Hispanic families on San Antonio’s culturally diverse East Side. He also donated $9 million of his own money to support the school’s launch. With my dad, I continue to admire his commitment to being a father, and the active role he played in his sons’ childhoods and educations. My dad and I still get a good laugh when we recall those tall tales, too.

When I moved to Denver in 2009, I was introduced to an organization called Colorado Youth at Risk (CYAR)—a nonprofit that pairs at-risk youth with committed adult mentors. I was drawn to volunteer as a mentor for this organization for two reasons: CYAR gives me the opportunity to support a young man in his education; and I get to be a positive role model and active presence in this young man’s life.

My journey as a mentor with CYAR officially began in March of this year, and I can attest that the experience has been remarkable. In this short time, I have witnessed my “mentee” grow in so many ways. Whether it’s thinking critically about a decision instead of acting without regard, or showing a new commitment to school, my mentee gives me plenty to be excited about—and our adventure is really just beginning.

Now I have the opportunity to support my mentee and his fellow students in CYAR programming by participating in the Mustache4Cash and Color4Kids fundraiser. Throughout the month of October, other male volunteers and I will grow mustaches, while female volunteers will color their hair. Together, we will raise money for this incredible organization by using our mustaches and hair to inspire our friends, families and colleagues to donate.

Looking back, I feel very fortunate to have had positive role models and present adults during my childhood who are still having an effect on who I am today. I hadn’t realized it until I took the time to reflect and write this blog entry, but the influences of my early life seem to be manifesting themselves in the decisions that I make today as a volunteer. Now that I think about it—as I sit here twisting the sides of my quickly growing facial hair—David Robinson and my dad both had some remarkable mustaches.