The beard in this photograph is an artist's rendering, as my actual beard was not available when the photo was taken.

We are less than four hours away (unless you live in the Central, Mountain or Narnian time zones) from the conclusion of our fund-raising activities. Note that I do not say that we are nearing the end of our beard-growing; I suspect that some of us will likely continue along the Many Follicled Path for at least a few more weeks, if not until the end of winter.

A couple of years ago I shaved my "beard" into mutton chops once December arrived. There are many words to describe how my wife felt about this, and none of them are "thrilled." Photographic evidence of these chops exists on the Internets, if you know where to look.

Whatever happens to my cheeks and chin over the next eleven months, you can be sure of one thing: I'll be shaving again on All Hallow's Eve 2012 and the cycle will begin once more.

Thank you to all of our participants this year. Veterans, it's great to have you back. New guys, I hope we made you feel welcome in your rookie year.

And to all the generous sponsors: thank you, thank you, thank you. As of this writing, I offer nearly 3,600 thanks, and I hope to owe you at least 1,400 more come midnight.