Former Foster Youth Gives Back As National Mullet Contest Winner
When Allan and Alice were only four years old, they were placed in the foster home of Derek & Lesli Baltz. The couple became their forever family because reunification with their birth parents was not an option for this pair. However, destiny had other plans that led to unexpected opportunities, including Allan entering the USA Mullet Championship and becoming their former foster youth national mullet contest winner!
In 2015, Derek and Lesli officially adopted the twins. “We were really terrified that we weren’t good enough parents to keep them forever,” Lesli told Southern Living. “So, we really worked through that a lot, and it became obvious that they were meant to be ours whether we felt like we were good enough or not.”
Sweet Idea, Sweeter Mullet
When the pandemic hit, the Baltz family decided to have a little fun at home by changing their hairstyles. Lesli dyed her hair red, Alice turned hers to teal, Derek grew a mustache, and Allan had a wild idea to grow a classic mullet. The family was having fun with this little hair project, and Allan loved his mullet so much that he even had it permed to enhance the look.
Lesli figured they would cut the mullet and shave it off when school started back, but when the pandemic continued, Allan got to keep his mullet.
“He really fell in love with it,” Lesli said. “He thought it was hysterical. It was hideous, and it embarrassed his sister. Everywhere he went, people were like ‘Nice hair, man.’ He thinks it’s the greatest thing, and he really owns it.”
The Competition
Allan’s friends quickly encouraged him to compete in the USA Mullet Championship. “At first, we would show him, and he was like, ‘I can’t beat that kid, I don’t want to do it,’ and then he realized there was money involved,” Lesli said.
“He instantly was like ‘Oh, OK. I can do it, and we’ll give the money to kids in foster care,’” she said. “He didn’t hesitate. He didn’t say, ‘I can get a bike, then give some money away.’ It was just instant that he wanted to give it away.”
After weeks of campaigning, Allan won his division! Who could resist voting for him? His submission photo showcased Allan wearing his father’s mountain biking sunglasses, his best suit, along with his crowning glory. A sweet mullet.
Giving Back to Kids in Foster Care
Allan donated the prize money to two nonprofit organizations in Arkansas: Together We Foster and Project Zero.
“When I was in foster care, I knew how it felt and I’m pretty sure they feel the same way, so I’m just really hoping they get a family,” Allan said.
Allan has inspired many others during the voting process of the contest by sharing his motivation and experience on social media. As a result, a total of $7,000 was donated to the foster care charities listed above.
“People also started volunteering … and donating clothing, beds, and diapers,” Lesli said. “A few people that we know decided to start fostering because of Allan’s story. The way that people hear it and it inspires them to do something about the foster care crisis is really incredible. We’re just sitting back in awe and hoping that it continues to inspire more people to make a difference.”
In Conclusion
Allan’s story has touched countless lives and is truly an inspiration. We hope you can join us on our mission to create positive change in the lives of children in foster care.
