(BPT) – Are you changing the world for the better? If you’re rocking a beard, chances are your answer is “YES!” In fact, a recent study by Wahl found that men with beards are 13% more charitable than their clean-shaven counterparts, and the Wahl “Benevolent Beards” Contest is looking to crown the most benevolent of them all. The second annual contest will present one Grand Prize winner with $20,000 for himself, and $5,000 for the charity of his choice. He’ll also be crowned the new “Wahl Man of the Year,” a moniker that boasts a bearded brotherhood spanning 16 years.
“There are many reasons people choose to be generous with their time, talent and treasures — and the Benevolent Beards contest is a great way to find those men who spend theirs helping others,” said Steven Yde, division vice president for Wahl. “Wahl is a family company committed to serving our communities and we are excited to reward men for doing the same in theirs.”
How to Enter
From now until July 1, 2023, men with beards can create a video of themselves showing off their beard while either explaining or demonstrating how they support a charity on the contest entry page at https://bit.ly/WahlBenevolentBeards. After the entry period is closed, 5 finalists will each win $500 for themselves, $500 for their charity of choice and a Wahl Stainless Steel Lithium-Ion Trimmer.
Things get really exciting in August when voting opens to the public to determine which finalist wins the Grand Prize of $20,000 for himself, and a visit from Wahl’s Mobile Barbershop to do a charity fundraising grooming event. At the event, barbers will offer the public FREE beard trims, and for every trim Wahl will donate $100 to the charity — up to $5,000.
Last Year’s Winner
The best part of this contest is the real-life impact it has. Just ask last year’s winner Ryan Baudhuin from Green Bay, Wisconsin, who uses his charity High Point Adventures to organize dream hunting trips for veterans struggling with returning to civilian life. According to Baudhuin, the healing effects of the outdoors saved his life after his return home from war. He now feels it’s his duty to serve other veterans who have sacrificed so much. “My charity is small, and budgets are tight, so this prize went far in helping to cover about seven hunting trips,” he said.
No Beard, No Problem
Don’t have a beard? You can still be part of the excitement. Spread the word about the contest to your bearded friends. Vote for your favorite facial-haired finalist. Or, get on the benevolent bandwagon and find ways to volunteer yourself. No matter your talents or interests, there are so many charities that would love your help. From animals to nature to human rights and beyond, you can feel good about giving back.