June 19, 2025

Beaufort Hosts Annual Battle of the Beards Fundraiser

News Summary

The Battle of the Beards fundraiser will take place at Brody’s Bar and Grill, featuring a beard competition among local businessmen to support Esther’s House. The event aims to raise $8,000 for children affected by human trafficking. Community involvement includes volunteers assisting with shaving, and plans for a Viking theme in the following year are underway, enhancing participation and awareness.

Beaufort Set to Host Annual Battle of the Beards Fundraiser

The 2025 Battle of the Beards fundraiser is scheduled for June 20 at Brody’s Bar and Grill on Lady’s Island. This year’s event promises an exciting competition between three local businessmen vying for the title of best beard in Beaufort, all for a noble cause—supporting Esther’s House, a refuge for children victimized by human trafficking.

The contestants in this year’s beard rivalry include Geoff Cunningham from Hail Logistics, Isaiah Martinez from Landscape Workshop, and Jesse Klausman from Jesse’s Tree Service. Each participant will strive to raise the most funds, with the winner keeping their beard while the other contestants will undergo the shaving process.

Hosted by The Helianthus Project and Power Washing Man, the event aims to raise $8,000 to support the mission of Esther’s House, which focuses on assisting minor and youth victims of human trafficking. Proceeds from the Battle of the Beards will directly contribute to building or purchasing a safe house for trafficked children, helping to provide them with protection and support.

Starting at 5 p.m. and running until 8 p.m. on Friday, attendees can participate in a fun and engaging atmosphere, as community members volunteer to shave the beards of contestants who do not win. Last year’s event saw John Hazel crowned as the champion against competitors Connor Cave and Tim Green, raising nearly the targeted amount. This organization believes that a strong community effort can lead to impactful results in combating human trafficking.

Organization and Community Involvement

The Helianthus Project, which oversees the event, dedicates its efforts to improving the lives of those affected by human trafficking, particularly focusing on minors. By holding events like the Battle of the Beards, the organization aims to raise awareness and necessary funds to create a safe environment for these vulnerable children. Volunteers will play a vital role in helping with the logistics of the competition, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for participants and guests alike.

Future Plans

Looking ahead to 2026, the Battle of the Beards plans to adopt a Viking theme with an aim to include even more contestants, fostering greater community involvement in the efforts against human trafficking. The organizers hope to continue building on the success of previous years while making an ever-bigger difference in the lives of those they support.

Previous Successes

The inaugural event held in 2024 successfully brought together local businesses, communities, and sponsors to raise significant funds and awareness. Last year’s fundraising success underscored the commitment of Beaufort residents to support a cause that impacts the lives of many children. The collective effort illustrated the potential for community action to bring about meaningful change.

As the Battle of the Beards approaches, anticipation builds within the local community. With a clear mission and dedicated participants, the event is poised to be both entertaining and impactful, and to further push the essential dialogue surrounding human trafficking to the forefront of community awareness.

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Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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