ORLEANS — Steve Tarbox of Orleans was named category winner for “Best Urban Beard,” in this year’s fourth annual Vermont Beardies to benefit Make-A-Wish Vermont.
Michel Fortin of St. Albans was named this year’s “Best Beard in Vermont.”
The annual contest raises funds to help grant wishes to Vermont’s children facing life-threatening medical conditions.
This year’s contest set a fundraising record of $62,401 for Vermont’s wish kids.
While in years past winners were chosen at an in-person event featuring local celebrity judges, this year’s winners were chosen remotely by Make-A-Wish Vermont’s small army of volunteer Wish Granters from around the state.
This year’s other category winner was Gordie Turner, of Jeffersonville, for “Best Freestyle Beard.”
Over 100 Vermonters entered the contest and over 700 people donated to support their efforts.
The top individual fundraiser this year was Randy Locke of Waterville, who raised $6,475 and the top Corporate Team was Seaway Car Wash who raised a grand total of $2,901.
Make-A-Wish Vermont has granted nearly 850 wishes to Vermont’s children with life-threatening medical conditions over the last 30 years.
To donate, volunteer, or refer a child to Make-A-Wish, please visit vermont.wish.org.
