Sterling, Ill. – October 19, 2026 -- A 40-year barber from Maryland has won the fifth Wahl Benevolent Beards Contest, taking home $5,000 for himself and $20,000 for his charity, and he will be honored at a free beard grooming event before the Baltimore Ravens game on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Robert Cradle of Odenton, MD, founded Rob's Barbershop Community Foundation (RBCF). The charity brings grooming services, hygiene products and barber training to underserved communities. Wahl will park its Mobile Barbershop on RavensWalk from 9 a.m. to noon EST for the event.
Cradle's charity began with free haircuts for a homeless shelter
After opening his barbershop, Cradle heard from people at a nearby homeless shelter who could not afford his services. He raised money and paid his barbers to cut their hair. He says the results were immediate, leading to job interviews and better school attendance. RBCF now also offers barber training, mentorship and an online database that connects volunteer barbers with people and organizations in need.
Five finalists competed, and public votes picked the winner
Bearded men across America submitted videos showing how they support a charity. Any 501(c)(3) organization was eligible. Wahl chose five finalists, and public voting decided the winner.
The four runners-up:
- Damon Friedman, Tampa, FL: The retired Special Warfare Officer served 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force. He founded SOF Missions, which offers veterans a free five-day, four-night healing program followed by a full year of care and access to physicians.
- Mo Wells, Dallas, TX: The former LSU track and field athlete was diagnosed with a golf ball-sized brain tumor during his senior year and underwent a craniotomy. He credits the American Cancer Society and charitable support for his recovery, and now trains college and professional athletes.
- BJ Ganem, Reedsburg, WI: The Marine Corps veteran lost his left leg to an IED in Iraq. He founded Sierra Delta, which provides dog training grants, educational resources, service opportunities and a nationwide community for veterans.
- Brian Schwartz, Wayne, NJ: His nonprofit, I Want to Mow Your Lawn, Inc., began six years ago and now has more than 1,800 volunteers in all 50 states. It provides free lawn care to older adults, veterans and neighbors in need.