-Votes help determine which of five fuzzy-faced finalists will win $20,000 for himself and $5,000 for his charity-

STERLING, Ill., Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Men's grooming leader Wahl is celebrating bearded men who combine good grooming with goodwill. The Wahl 'Benevolent Beards' Contest asked whiskered men from across America to submit videos demonstrating their benevolent acts. Five finely groomed finalists were chosen, and now public votes will help decide who receives the Grand Prize of $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.

A wealth of whiskered men from across America submitted videos demonstrating their benevolent acts. Five finalists were chosen, and now public votes will help decide who receives the Grand Prize of $20,000 for himself, and $5,000 for his charity.
A wealth of whiskered men from across America submitted videos demonstrating their benevolent acts. Five finalists were chosen, and now public votes will help decide who receives the Grand Prize of $20,000 for himself, and $5,000 for his charity.
Rodney Smith Jr. from Huntsville, AL, was driving and saw an elderly man struggling to mow his lawn, so he stopped to help. That moment sent him on a path to mowing lawns for the elderly and disabled in his community. Soon, parents saw what he was doing and asked if their kids could get involved. From there, it grew into a national organization with more than 5,000 kids called Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Inc. Kids sign up for the ‘50 Yard Challenge’ to mow 50 yards for free, and if they complete the challenge they earn a personal visit from Rodney, who gifts them with a lawn mower and other lawn care equipment. To date, more than 400 kids have completed the challenge.
Rodney Smith Jr. from Huntsville, AL, was driving and saw an elderly man struggling to mow his lawn, so he stopped to help. That moment sent him on a path to mowing lawns for the elderly and disabled in his community. Soon, parents saw what he was doing and asked if their kids could get involved. From there, it grew into a national organization with more than 5,000 kids called Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Inc. Kids sign up for the ‘50 Yard Challenge’ to mow 50 yards for free, and if they complete the challenge they earn a personal visit from Rodney, who gifts them with a lawn mower and other lawn care equipment. To date, more than 400 kids have completed the challenge.
Jaime Shepherd from Los Angeles, CA, lost his 18-year-old nephew Kam to gun violence in 2020. A talented football player, cherished friend and beloved son, Kam’s death rocked his community. At Kam’s memorial service, 300 young men stood together and vowed to make a change, and Kam’s mother pledged that she would help them. That was the beginning of Smile 4 Kam. The charity offers college scholarships, financial literacy, job search coaching and mentorship to the youth of South Central Los Angeles.
Jaime Shepherd from Los Angeles, CA, lost his 18-year-old nephew Kam to gun violence in 2020. A talented football player, cherished friend and beloved son, Kam’s death rocked his community. At Kam’s memorial service, 300 young men stood together and vowed to make a change, and Kam’s mother pledged that she would help them. That was the beginning of Smile 4 Kam. The charity offers college scholarships, financial literacy, job search coaching and mentorship to the youth of South Central Los Angeles.
Matthew Nadu from Bradenton, FL, left Hollywood and the entertainment industry in 2021 on a search to help men find purpose and meaning in their lives. That led him to permaculture and Echo Farms, an organization that teaches small-scale, natural and sustainable farming methods to millions of people and displaced families around the world so they can provide food for themselves and their communities. By becoming a servant leader and getting back to the land, tackling hunger at the source, Matthew believes this will help people grow hope from the ground up and empower them to live more abundant and fruitful lives.
Matthew Nadu from Bradenton, FL, left Hollywood and the entertainment industry in 2021 on a search to help men find purpose and meaning in their lives. That led him to permaculture and Echo Farms, an organization that teaches small-scale, natural and sustainable farming methods to millions of people and displaced families around the world so they can provide food for themselves and their communities. By becoming a servant leader and getting back to the land, tackling hunger at the source, Matthew believes this will help people grow hope from the ground up and empower them to live more abundant and fruitful lives.
Amos Albert from Chicago, IL, is a U.S. Navy veteran who was honorably discharged following an injury while on duty. In 2019, he attended a professional basketball game with Operation Warrior Wishes, an organization that brings thousands of veterans to professional sporting events completely free of charge. On this first trip, Amos saw just how beneficial the organization was to veterans struggling with return to civilian life. Now, Amos dedicates his time to the charity with a mission to honor military heroes and connect veterans from the battlefields to the ballfields.
Amos Albert from Chicago, IL, is a U.S. Navy veteran who was honorably discharged following an injury while on duty. In 2019, he attended a professional basketball game with Operation Warrior Wishes, an organization that brings thousands of veterans to professional sporting events completely free of charge. On this first trip, Amos saw just how beneficial the organization was to veterans struggling with return to civilian life. Now, Amos dedicates his time to the charity with a mission to honor military heroes and connect veterans from the battlefields to the ballfields.