(BPT) - Across the nation, whiskered men are making the world a bearder place to live; or in other words, they are contributing positively to their communities. Whether they're aiding the homeless or championing animal rights, their charitable endeavors — and their beards — have the chance to be recognized in the third annual Wahl ‘Benevolent Beards’ Contest. One Grand Prize winner will be presented 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 17 years.

“There is no shortage of people who donate their time and energy to helping others, and the Benevolent Beards contest provides an excellent platform to discover and honor those individuals,” said Steven Yde, Vice President of North America Consumer at Wahl. “As a family-oriented company dedicated to community service, Wahl is excited to reward men who mirror our commitment in their own communities.”

Last Year’s Winner

The best part of this contest is the real-life impact it has. Just ask last year’s winner, Dr. Christopher McNeil from Kansas City, Missouri, whose selected charity, the Kansas City Public School Foundation, supports educational initiatives and impact programs like his 'Books and Barbers' program which provides haircuts, books, and mentorship to elementary school students.

According to McNeil, who is currently the Director of Career and Technical Education at Kansas City Public Schools, ‘Books and Barbers’ is about more than just free haircuts. “We try to recreate what’s special about barbershops by offering students a safe space where they can learn about life and glean wisdom from amazing mentors. It’s also a way for us to increase the kids’ love of learning and literacy,” he explained.

How to Enter

From now until June 30, 2024, men with beards can submit a video of themselves either explaining or demonstrating how they support a charity on the contest entry page at https://bit.ly/BenevolentBeards. They can also get to the page by visiting the @WahlGrooming Facebook or Instagram pages. What kind of charity? As long as it’s a 501(c)(3) organization with a goal to impact the world positively, all charities will be considered. So, whether you’re an animal advocate or helping humans, you have the chance to put your good grooming toward goodwill.

Following the entry period, 5 finalists will each win $500 for themselves, $500 for their charity and a NEW Wahl^® PRO SERIES™ High Visibility Trimmer. Things get really exciting in August when public votes help 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.

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.