The Wahl ‘Benevolent Beards’ Contest started with a quest to reward guys who are making the world a ‘bearder’ place to live. The goal was to discover bearded men who are doing good through charitable efforts. Hundreds of men answered the call for a chance to win $20,000 for themselves, and $5,000 for their charity. Five men made the cut, and America’s votes decided the winner and our next ‘Wahl Man of the Year.’

Bearded men from across the country submitted a video of themselves either explaining or demonstrating how they support a charity. What kind of charity? As long as it was a 501(c)(3) organization with a goal to impact the world positively, all charities were considered. Five fuzzy-faced finalists were chosen, but public votes determined the winner.

Official Rules

Nine years ago, Rodney Smith Jr. from Huntsville, AL, was driving his usual route when he 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, disabled and veterans 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. Rodney’s ability to combine good grooming with goodwill earned him $20,000 for himself, and $5,000 for his charity, as well as the title of ‘Wahl Man of the Year.’

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