Men of David at first may seem like a beauty or popularity pageant…yet it’s not. It is so much more than that. The Men of David finalists, while all very sexy, are also competing to raise the most money and awareness for AID Atlanta. That is the real contest.
Now in its second year, the Men of David competition has become an exceedingly great way to fundraiser for AID Atlanta, as well as a tremendous vehicle for the competitors to meet their community. All of our ten finalists share a passion for the Atlanta LGBT community, and an undeniable support for AID Atlanta. They have diligently been raising monies for a charity that does so much to serve their HIV positive and HIV negative patients.
In its first year, the Men of David competition raised $20,000 for AID Atlanta. A number that surprised both AID Atlanta and us. This year, our intentions are to surpass last year’s donation and support for such a worthwhile organization. Aid Atlanta’s mission is to reduce new HIV infections and improve the quality of life of its members and the community. Something that we can all get behind.
You’ve made your choices and now we present the top ten for you to know before the Men of David finals, 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 9 at Jungle.
Michael Grad
Age: 33
Occupation: Marketing
Birthplace: West Palm Beach, FL
Relationship Status: Single
Favorite Bar: I do end up at TEN more than most other bars…
Favorite TV Show: Barefoot Contessa
Favorite Movie: Troop Beverly Hills. Hands down.
Favorite Celebrity Crush: Daniel Norris. He shaves with an axe. I can’t with him.
Favorite Song: Of the moment? “Go All Night” by Gorgon City feat. Jennifer Hudson
What does being part of Men of David mean to you?
It was incredibly flattering to be nominated (I thought it was a joke at first), and even more so to make top 10. I see Men of David as an opportunity for 10 people that are part of a community taking time to focus energy into making that community better and stronger. I think this will be a great experience that will combine fun, meeting new people, maybe stepping out of my comfort zone a little and hopefully make a difference and help contribute to the success of an organization I strongly believe in.
What community/charity groups are you involved in?
I do a good deal of work with AID Atlanta with our team’s involvement in the AIDS Walk. The LemonAIDS have been a massively successful team for the past several years and we hope to continue that legacy in 2015.
What makes a guy attractive to you?
Someone who knows what they want is incredibly sexy. I’m also attracted to guys that are kind-hearted and have compassion as well as a sense of humor. Finally, I’m a sucker for a nice smile.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I can be (and think I’m viewed as being) incredibly social, but I very much need significant time to myself and my thoughts to recharge.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I run 15-20 miles per week, so that takes up a good bit of free time. I love to cook, which also entails reading recipe blogs, cooking magazines, etc. I like live music, playing in the park, trying new restaurants, yummy cocktails, dancing on occasion, and watching terrible television with friends (and wine).
What’s your favorite thing about living in Atlanta?
I love how Atlanta somehow feels like a smaller place than it actually is. It’s very community oriented but with the perks and excitement that come with living in a big city. It’s been and will be a great place to live.
Jason Holcombe
Age: 36
Occupation: Accounting/Payroll for a flooring and design company
Birthplace: Atlanta
Relationship Status: Happy
Favorite Bar: Heretic – when it is Country Night.
Favorite TV Show:
I am a Real Housewives Fanatic. In fact, my TV rarely changes from Bravo.
Favorite Movie:
FREEWAY which is a crazy movie with Reece Witherspoon. It’s an older movie with a twisted “Little Red Ridinghood” plot. If you haven’t seen it, you should.
Favorite Celebrity Crush:
I don’t really have one. Who the hell wants what they can’t have? Not me. Haha.
Favorite Song:
Sonique – Sky. It’s a song that always played at the first gay bar I ever went to. It’s a song that me and my long time friends still listen to when we are on trips together and remember when.
What does being part of Men of David mean to you?
I am really excited to be a part of the Men of David fundraiser this year. It’s a great organization that helps a lot of people. I hope that this group of guys can exceed our personal goals, and not only raise money, but also awareness.
What community/charity groups are you involved in?
I have been involved in horse rescue for 14yrs. Savethehorses.org
What makes a guy attractive to you?
A guy who is confident, but not conceited. Attractive both inside and out. Comfortable being themselves. That’s important to me.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I am pretty much an open book. I’m a simple guy who enjoys the simple things in life.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I have a passion for horses, anyone who knows me, knows that. I spend my free time on my farm and horseback riding.
What’s your favorite thing about living in Atlanta?
I love living in Atlanta. This is home to me. My family is here, I have a great group of friends here and well, there is ALWAYS something to do.
Jeffrey Hollington
Age: Guess….45!
Occupation: Sales Dale Carnegie Training
Birthplace: Syracuse, NY (Go Orangemen!!!)
Relationship Status: Best partner ever, Sammy Smith #samfro
Favorite Bar: Does Flex count?
Favorite TV Show: American Horror Story (love Sarah Paulson) and Mr. Picklessssss
Favorite Movie: Girls Will Be Girls – Starring Coco, Varla, and Evie
Favorite Celebrity Crush: Ryan Reynolds and Vanessa Williams
Favorite Song: Bad Romance by Gaga “paws up little monsters”
What does being part of Men of David mean to you?
It’s a huge honor. Having a blast getting to know the other guys and raising money for AID Atlanta.
What community/charity groups are you involved in?
AID Atlanta and Ready 4 Hope
What makes a guy attractive to you?
Gingers with junk in their trunk!
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
In high school I lost 100lbs.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Running (54 full marathons), lifting weights at Gravity, drawing and spending time with Sammy and my teacup Chihuahua Princess Houdini.
What’s your favorite thing about living in Atlanta?
I love the traffic!
Jon Johnson
Age: 37
Occupation: Senior Manager of HENRY’S midtown tavern
Birthplace: Murfreesboro, TN
Relationship Status: Partnered
Favorite Bar: Depends on my mood…I like to go to Hideaway, Woofs, and even BJ’s from time to time… but more times than not, it’s Oscars. It is the “Cheers…everyone knows your name type bar”
Favorite TV Show: Once Upon a Time and my guilty pleasure is *coughs* Vampire Diaries
Favorite Movie: It’s a tie between “A Walk to Remember” with Mandy Moore and Shane West or “Stealing Home” with Jodie Foster and Mark Harmon… what can I say, I’m a softie.
Favorite Celebrity Crush: Ryan Reynolds! OMG can you say “I need a hall pass”
Favorite Song: I have such an eclectic taste in music, it’s really difficult to say what my single favorite is so I’ll name twenty…lol…ok just three… “Somethin’ Like That”-Tim McGraw, “Shut Up and Dance”- Walk the Moon, and “Popular”- Wicked
What does being part of Men of David mean to you?
I moved from Nashville almost five years ago. Being in a community that is much more extensive, but yet still so compact, has taught me that no matter where you are, we are all still fighting the same battles. A group of guys, that wouldn’t have known each other otherwise, banding together to raise money for a great organization such as AID Atlanta is heartwarming. This makes me proud to say that I am a part this awesome group of men. To me that is a battle that’s worth fighting for!
What community/charity groups are you involved in?
Being the Senior Manager of HENRY’S, I am fortunate enough to work with numerous charities. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Lost and Found, Jerusalem House, Joining Hearts, Angels Among Us Pet Rescue, Leader Dog, Human Rights Campaign, GLADD, and Aid Atlanta. Please forgive me if I left anyone out!
What makes a guy attractive to you?
This is a trick question! Dark hair and a beard and scruff is a must! If you know my partner he fits this description.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I snuggle with a stuffed black bear named….”Bear”
What do you like to do in your free time?
I usually don’t get much free time. But when I do, I like to go to lunch/dinner with friends and catch up on what I missed in their lives.
What’s your favorite thing about living in Atlanta?
It’s like living in the movie “Mean Girls”. I feel like I’m Regina George, living in a city full of Gretchen Wieners and everyone wears pink on Wednesday’s …JK. It’s all about the diversity of the people and the rich history that comes with Atlanta.
Logan Mann
Age: 27
Occupation: Artist/Singer
Birthplace: Tullahoma, Tennessee
Relationship Status: SINGLE!!!
Favorite Bar: Heretic & Jungle
Favorite TV Show: Squidbillies
Favorite Movie: Kill Bill
Favorite Celebrity Crush:
Favorite Song:
What does being part of Men of David mean to you?
I think it is a great opportunity to meet people in the community and raise money for AID Atlanta.
What community/charity groups are you involved in?
Well obviously I am involved with MOD and AID Atlanta right now.
What makes a guy attractive to you?
I think confidence is key.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I can be a little aloof, but my heart is in the right place.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to go out a lot, and to meet new friends.
What’s your favorite thing about living in Atlanta?
There is always so much going on that you can never get bored.
Alex Ortiz
Age: 31
Occupation: I manage a neuroscience lab in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech
Birthplace: New York, NY but I grew up in Seattle, WA
Relationship Status: Very single
Favorite Bar: For dancing the Eagle, for a quiet night Hideaway, and if I want to get in trouble Oscar’s and Felix’s
Favorite TV Show: I’m a pretty big nerd so probably Star Trek (TNG) or Dr. Who, but really anything Sci-fi/fantasy
Favorite Movie: I’ll answer this with movies I will stop and watch anytime they’re on tv: Fifth Element, A League of Their Own, Coming to America
Favorite Celebrity Crush: Ryan Reynolds, sexy and funny. I’m also kind of in love with Jason Bateman.
Favorite Song: Usually singing Disney songs in my head but really anything I can dance to.
What does being part of Men of David mean to you?
To me it means validation that growing up a chubby nerdy kid; personality really is a person’s best feature. I’m very honored to be accepted and appreciated by a community that I really enjoy being a part of and I’m very excited to do something to help give back to that community.
What community/charity groups are you involved in?
I volunteer with Lost-n-Found youth and DragonCon Superheroes and enjoy doing out reach projects at local schools to get kids interested in science.
What makes a guy attractive to you?
I generally go for the boy next door type. I look for a sense of humor/adventure and optimism. And I’m a sucker for dimples.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I actually used to be quite shy and I always wanted that one crazy friend who was down for anything and would get you into all kinds of fun trouble. I guess since I never found that person I had to become them and break out of my shell a bit.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Haha, what free time? I work full time and I’m working on my MBA in the evenings. In the few free moments I get, I love to read, binge watch Netflix, and go out and paint the town lavender with my friends. I also love to travel. I’m heading to Iceland for a week once I make it through finals
What’s your favorite thing about living in Atlanta?
My favorite thing about Atlanta is hands down the people. I’ve made so many good friends here and people in general are very friendly and welcoming.
David Joseph Tillman
Age: 28
Occupation: FedEx Office Management and Writer
Birthplace: Fullerton, CA
Relationship Status:
Single and ready to mingle. I will always be a hopeless romantic looking for his prince charming.
Favorite Bar:
Heretic, hands down. Always have a blast there! So much even that I now work there part time! Come say hi!
Favorite TV Show:
Buffy The Vampire Slayer and more recently, How To Get Away With Murder. Shonda Rhimes is incredible.
Favorite Movie:
Coyote Ugly. There’s something about chasing after your dreams and making them come true, despite challenges in life. Plus- that Aussie man is HOT!!
Favorite Celebrity Crush:
Dave Annable. He is a dash of nerdy and a whole lot of steamy! Yes daddy!
Favorite Song:
Lord. I am not sure I should be admitting this or not, but anything Taylor Swift. From her single Tim McGraw to her current album. #TSWIFT4EVER
What does being part of Men of David mean to you?
Being able to raise funds for AID Atlanta. Need I say more? Knowing that I made a difference and helped out my community is all I could ask for. Winning Man of David 2015 will just be the icing on my cake when I take the crown. Oops, did I say that out loud?
What community/charity groups are you involved in?
Raising funds for AID Atlanta will be the first of many to come. Next venture will be with Lost and Found Youth.
What makes a guy attractive to you?
Honesty. The rest just comes naturally after that. A healthy smile doesn’t hurt. Show me your grill!
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I use to weigh 250 pounds. Currently 190 pounds. If you want to change your body image, all it takes is a healthy eating lifestyle and moderate exercise. I am not a gym rat by any means, but it feels good to take care of your body.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I am currently in a few tennis leagues including USTA, ATTA, and ALTA. I play with The Piedmont Play’az! I also play softball with the Titans D Team! Hey boys!
What’s your favorite thing about living in Atlanta?
The arts, music, and social life are full of energy and spirit! Atlanta has so much to offer and you can always find something to do to suit your mood.
William Treadwell
Age: 40
Occupation: Creative Director
Birthplace: Virginia
Relationship Status: Married
Favorite Bar: Heretic & BJs
Favorite TV Show: The Walking Dead
Favorite Movie: Bridesmaids
Favorite Celebrity Crush: Mark Wahlberg
Favorite Song: KISS by Prince
What does being part of Men of David mean to you?
Representing David to benefit AID Atlanta is an honor and with 9 other outstanding men to support our community.
What community/charity groups are you involved in?
I volunteer with R4H here in Atlanta currently. I volunteered for many HIV related organizations among others living in San Francisco from 2001-2005.
What makes a guy attractive to you?
Personality & Humor
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I’m not telling- that’s why they don’t know.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Family time with my mom, husband and friends. Gym time and travel here and there.
What’s your favorite thing about living in Atlanta?
Baton Bob & Sunday Funday Brunch.
Daniel Valentine
Age: 30
Occupation: Sr. Account Executive for a Precious Metals Refinery
Birthplace: Long Island, NY
Relationship Status: Single
Favorite Bar: Burkhart’s
Favorite TV Show: The Walking Dead
Favorite Movie: The Color Purple
Favorite Celebrity Crush: Derek Jeter & Matt Kemp
Favorite Song: I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston
What does being part of Men of David mean to you?
It means that I get the opportunity to expand beyond my normal circle and meet people that I would have never been able to meet before. It allows me to educate others about how important AID Atlanta is for our community. I have the privileged to join 9 other men in raising funds for a worth cause.
What community/charity groups are you involved in?
I am in my 6th season with the Hotlanta Softbal League (HSL) and soon to be 7th season with the Southern Softpaw League (SSL). Over the past 6 seasons with HSL, I helped raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness charities and was a part of the Big Peach Softball Tournament for 2 years. In SSL, I was the Charity Director for 3 season. We raised funds for Metro Atlanta animal charities.
What makes a guy attractive to you?
Besides being somewhat intelligent, its all about personality. Looks are kind of important but if you cannot hold a conversation or hold my attention for more than 20 minutes, then we will not be a match.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I’ve been a WWF/WWE fan since the age of 5 and I still watch their programming. It is my guilty pleasure.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to travel and be anywhere near warm weather and a beach. Key West is my favorite domestic destination. I have many friends that live there and they are my second family. Follow my adventures on Instagram, ‘nyy26wwe’
What’s your favorite thing about living in Atlanta?
I am a city guy at heart so I love the feel of living in a metropolis.
Austin Wilson
Age: 25
Occupation: Business Operations for a privately owned logistics company
Birthplace: Snellville, GA – grew up in Dacula, GA – went to college in Chattanooga, TN and moved from from there 3 months ago.
Relationship Status: Single.
Favorite Bar: I typically choose TEN or Blakes, maybe even Jungle if I’m feelin’ groovy, however Ormsby’s is a good option if I want to keep it chill and play bocce ball, pool, or darts.
Favorite TV Show: I don’t have too much time for TV however I must say I have completed both seasons of Orange is the New Black, every episode of American Horror Story, and Breaking Bad. Thank you, Netflix.
Favorite Movie: I like a variety of movie genres, however if I’m going with horror, I enjoy all the Saw movies and if I’m going with action, Taken was a good flick. I think anything with Liam Neeson is entertaining. People actually say I’m going to look like him when I get older.
Favorite Celebrity Crush: CHRIS HEMSWORTH hands down. Where’s his Mjolnir when you need it? (Only true fans will get that reference.)
Favorite Song: This is a tough one because I have such an eclectic taste of music. Can I answer favorite artists? Anything from Sam Smith to Frank Sinatra to Ellie Goulding to Gucci Mane to DJ Tiesto. It really depends on what time of day it is, where I’m at, and current mood.
What does being part of Men of David mean to you?
Honestly I didn’t know much about the contest before agreeing to get involved. I just moved here 3 months ago and figured it would be a great opportunity to meet new people, learn a little more about the Atlanta scene, and get my name out there. I have learned, however, people love to talk in this town – so I better be cautious with how much I say.
What community/charity groups are you involved in?
As I said, I recently moved here so I am just now learning about different opportunities to get involved. My main goal, especially with some of the things I have seen in this town so far, is to spread positivity and bring out the best in people. Therefore, whatever group/community I am going to associate myself with is going to be promoting both of those things.
What makes a guy attractive to you?
GOOD TEETH (is a must), somebody who can laugh at themselves and not take life too seriously, someone who is motivated and career driven and non-judgmental of other people. Someone who takes care of themselves, enjoys the outdoors and being spontaneous. Nice biceps and good booty doesn’t hurt, either.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
A lot of people think I am arrogant or stuck up however I am just shy at first because I don’t share my vulnerability with many people. I don’t think a lot of people know that I am actually pretty sensitive and have a good, caring heart. People also don’t know I never missed a day of school in Kindergarten through High School and that I’ve had a cookie cake from Great American Cookie on my birthday every year since I was 12.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Workout, explore parts of Atlanta I haven’t seen yet, hang out with friends, go hiking, spend time with family, and travel. One of my goals this year is to travel more.
What’s your favorite thing about living in Atlanta?
Coming from Chattanooga, which was a much smaller city without TOO many things to do, I enjoy all of the variety Atlanta has to offer. There are so many different restaurants, parks, venues, etc. that I am still anticipating to explore. I feel like although the gay scene here in Atlanta can get a bad rap, what I’ve noticed so far is that if people did a little less talking bad about other people and a little more just loving people, it could go a long way and a lot more people would be happier. I like seeing people reach their full potential and be themselves – not what they think other people want them to be. So, whatever it takes to make that impact in this town, I’m gonna do it.
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