Seattle Man One of Five Finalists Vying for the Most Benevolent Beard in America USA - English India - English Brazil - Português Latin America - español USA - Français USA - español
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~ Seattle native Ryan Saunders is making waves in the film industry as the managing director of the National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY). This charity serves as a platform for young filmmakers from all backgrounds to showcase their work and build lasting connections. By prioritizing peer-to-peer connection, NFFTY is not only empowering youth but also driving systemic change in the film world.

Saunders' efforts have not gone unnoticed, as he has been chosen as a finalist in the Wahl® Benevolent Beards Contest by men's grooming leader Wahl®. This contest celebrates individuals who combine good grooming with goodwill, and Saunders has certainly made an impact with his work at NFFTY. The public can vote for him to win the Grand Prize of $5,000 for himself and $20,000 for NFFTY by visiting https://bit.ly/BenevolentBeards2025 before September 12, 2025.

Saunders is also in the running to be crowned the new 'Wahl® Man of the Year,' a title that has been held by a bearded brotherhood for 18 years. But he is not alone in this competition. Other finalists include Kevin Simmons from Gainesville, GA, Miguel Delvalle from Hartford, CT, Darren Thompson from Washington D.C., and Jesse Presson from Charlottesville, VA.

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Simmons is a pediatric speech pathologist who volunteers as a sensory barber through ConnectAbility, a charity that supports individuals with disabilities and their families. He has first-hand experience with the impact of this charity as many of his patients are also served by it. Simmons recognized the need for an alternative to traditional haircuts for those with sensory sensitivities and now provides a comfortable experience for them.

Delvalle's journey to becoming a finalist is one of resilience and generosity. After struggling with homelessness himself, he opened his own barbershop in 2020. When he realized that his shop was located next to a homeless shelter, he began offering free haircuts to the men there. This act of kindness soon gained attention and led Delvalle to establish his own charity, Scissors Society, Inc., which provides free haircuts to those in need.

Thompson's charity work focuses on improving his underserved community in Washington D.C. He founded the East River Dog Park Group and after years of hard work, they finally opened their dog park in 2024. But Thompson didn't stop there. The group also addresses other inequities in their community, such as hosting outdoor movie nights and providing free breakfasts for school-age children. Their current project is bringing a farmers' market to the area.

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Presson's journey has been one of overcoming personal struggles and using his experiences to help others. As a U.S. Army veteran, he understands the challenges that many veterans face when they return home. After undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for a traumatic brain injury and PTSD, Presson now works for the Hyperbaric Wellness Foundation and advocates for making this treatment accessible to all veterans.

These five finalists have all shown incredible dedication and generosity through their charitable work. Wahl® is giving the public the opportunity to vote for who they believe should be named the Most Benevolent Beard in America and win the Grand Prize for themselves and their chosen charity. With such inspiring individuals leading the way, it's clear that good grooming can go hand in hand with doing good in the world.
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