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Queens Realtor To Shave His Signature Mustache For Charity

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A Queens realtor is parting with his signature look for a good cause.

Paul Halvatzis, 52, of Flushing, will be facing a razor this Friday at the Redken Saloon Salon in Astoria to shave the mustache he's sported for the past 35 years.

"It's been kind of my trademark as long as I've been in real estate," Halvatzi said.

Halvatzis was recently challenged by his children to part with his whiskers to raise $35,000 to benefit Quality Services for the Autism Community.

The group provides educational, residential, therapeutic and family support services to the autism community throughout the New York Metropolitan area.

The charity wasn't chosen arbitrarily rather it's a cause that's near to his heart. Halvatzis' 20-year-old son has autism.

"When he was originally diagnosed they had said that he probably would never speak or be able to function on his own and we started getting services from QSAC when he was about three," Halvatzis told 1010 WINS. "He's learned to read, write, he speaks -- he doesn't shut up, he's a talker -- he can swim, he can shoot baskets."

Halvatzis is now the vice president of the organization's board of directors.

"Paul has had his mustache longer than QSAC has been in existence," said Gary Maffei, QSAC Executive Director. "We are thrilled to be working with him on this innovative fundraiser to bring much needed resources that will both improve and expand our services to those most in need across New York."

The Shave the 'Stache for Autism Cash campaign has raised nearly $10,000.

"People always call me 'The Guy With the Mustache,' now I'm going to be 'The Guy Without the Mustache' but at least I'll know I'm helping a lot of little children get the services they need," Halvatzis said.

To make a donation, visit www.qsac.com/shave or call (718) 7-AUTISM.

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