What was one of the most eagerly anticipated events of 2024? Mr. Legs XXIV! Presented July 20 by the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Foundation at Generations Hall, this rollicking benefit for Bridge House/Grace House showed giving a leg up can successfully meld humor and creativity.
Laura Buchtel and Mike Hoss returned as emcees, ushering the fun with the Pussyfooters, who opened the show and performed during intermission.
The main focus of this fundraiser is the beauty pageant parody/performances by contestants, who are judged in a variety of categories. While the majority of winners were chosen by the judges, the actual Mr. Legs winner is the contestant who has raised the most money before and during the event for BH/GH. Mr. Legs XXIV was Michael Zarou and this was his 11th year as a contestant and fourth time winning Mr. Legs. Mr. Legs first runner-up was Steve Carnes and second runner-ups were Chris Kazik and Matt Shine, who performed as a group.
Other honors went to Best Performance: Travis Henthorn; Best Costume: Steve Carnes; Sexiest Legs: Ryan Haydel; Hairiest Legs: Jeffery Carlson; Skinniest Legs: Michael Zarou and Fan Favorite: Chris Kazik and Matt Shine. This year’s celebrity judges were WWL-TV’s Malik Mingo and Whitney Miller, former contestant and five-time Mr. Legs winner Roberto Espinoza and Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust’s Vincent Giardina.
“We say every year that Mr. Legs is an event that can’t be missed because it truly is an event that must be experienced firsthand,” says Stephanie Clary, CFRE, Bridge House/Grace House director of development. “If you’ve never been, then next year is the year to do it! On July 19, 2025, Mr. Legs returns to Generations Hall and we’re celebrating 25 years of ‘Legs’ – bigger and better than ever!”
This event is among the benefits that raise funds for BH/GH so it can continue to treat individuals with substance use disorder. The organization provides services to more than 700 men and women each year.
Fun Fact: Mr. Legs 2024 attendees were treated to a Taylor Swift Eras tour preview from Best Costume winner Steve Carnes performing a “Shake It Off”/“Reputation” mashup.
