The Bearded Villains pose for a photo during a past event in Hermiston. In its third year, the group is hosting a Beard Competition Fundraiser on May 19, 2023, on Hermiston’s Festival Street. The money will be donated to the Breath of Life Foundation, which is hosting its 10th annual fundraiser on May 20, 2023, at Echo Ridge Cellars.

UMATILLA COUNTY — A pair of upcoming events in Hermiston and Echo will help raise money and awareness for cystic fibrosis.

In its third year, the Eastern Oregon Bearded Villains are sponsoring a Beard Competition Fundraiser with proceeds benefiting the annual Breath of Life fundraiser organized by Jessica Brown-Grooms of Hermiston. Bearded Villains chapters exist around the world, Rachelle Reed said, and the nonprofit group’s members support local events and help raise funds for charitable causes.

The beard contest will be held Friday, May 19, on Hermiston’s Festival Street, 180 N.E. Second St. Participant registration runs from 3-5 p.m., with the contest beginning at 6 p.m. Contest

registration is $25.

Bearded competitors will compete in six categories based on style and length. In addition, a “build-a-beard” category allows everyone to participate by using various materials to create their own facial hair. For category descriptions, visit bit.ly/3LdbXA7.

Reed said while many Bearded Villains events are held at adult venues, this competition will be outside and geared toward families.

“We want to get more families involved,” she said.

In addition to the beard contest, the event features live music by Zac Grooms, husband of the Breath of Life organizer. Also, Thirsty Nellie’s will provide a mobile bar, and other vendors will offer items and food. Raffle tickets also will be available for purchase at the event.

For more information or to donate raffle prizes, call Reed at 541-720-2069.

Breath of Life

Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at 18 months old, Brown-Grooms has organized the Breath of Life fundraiser for 10 years. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at Echo Ridge Cellars, 551 N. Thielson St., Echo.

“I wanted to raise awareness for this genetic disease, along with money to find a cure for me and the 70,000 others that fight every day to live as normal of a life as possible,” Brown-Grooms said.

“We are in this together, fighting for a cure.”

Tickets are $15 each. Kids 8 and under are admitted free. Dinner, beer and wine will be available for purchase. Tickets are available via bit.ly/3HkbfPk.

The fundraiser features music, dancing and a live auction. Some items on the auction block include Seattle Mariners Diamond Club packages, a Stihl chainsaw and a sailboat ride with wine and a charcuterie platter.

Anyone interested in donating a themed basket or auction item is encouraged to email Brown-Grooms at breathoflife4cf@gmail.com.

A genetic disease, cystic fibrosis causes the lungs to produce a thick, sticky mucus, typically resulting in a shorter lifespan. However, because of advances made through research, the life expectancy, which used to be age 5, now surpasses 45.

Money raised from the event goes to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Oregon. For more information, visit on.cff.org/3AAKceM.

— Lisa Britton, editor of Go! Magazine, contributed to this story.