Acushnet Father Enters National ‘Dad Bod’ Contest For a Great Cause

While some may be shy about it, Thomas Gomes of Acushnet fully embraces his dad bod. So much so, that he has entered himself into a national “Dad Bod” competition that could win him some serious cash and national recognition.

During the hurricane that hit the SouthCoast about a month ago, Gomes and his family were bored at home when Gomes came across the Legendary Dad Bod competition. “Only the man with the most fatherly figure will reign supreme” reads the website.

“I was sitting here with the family, and we were stuck in the house pretty underwhelmed. I saw it online and got a good laugh out of it, so I decided to sign up," Gomes said.

It’s all fun and games, but the underlying reason for the competition is much bigger than beer guts. Proceeds from the competition will go toward supporting the B+ Foundation’s mission to help children battling pediatric cancer and their families.

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“I think the world right now is real serious, and I just wanted to show the kids that you can be funny and make people laugh, and it could all be for a good cause,” Gomes said.

He really pulled out all the stops to make his children laugh when it came time to promote his dad bod. With a helpful fashion donation from a friend, Gomes took to Fort Phoenix dressed in a mermaid tail, a crown, and not much else to pose on the rocks in all of his dad bod glory.

“If this raises some money for some kids, I have no shame,” laughed Gomes.

If Gomes wins the contest, he will receive a write-up in Men’s Journal and $25,000. A dad bod is sounding a lot more lucrative than a six-pack right about now.

“I’d like to donate some of that money back to the B+ Foundation if I do win,” Gomes said, showing that his heart is even bigger than his middle.

People can vote for Thomas Gomes once every 24 hours or people can donate to the B+ foundation directly.

“My hope is to get the community involved and make the Southcoast laugh and also support such a good cause,” Gomes said. “And also get some new gutters and a roof so I can no longer do wet t-shirt photoshoots.”

Don’t give up on those photoshoots just yet, Thomas – they might just win you $25K.