Forget Sexy Firefighters—Charity 'Dad Bod' Calendar All the Rage

Meet Brian Merkel, calendar cover model for 2017.

The Lino Lakes, Minn., dad is one of 12 fathers in the first-ever “Dad Bods” calendar being sold as a cheeky fundraiser for Spare Key, a Twin Cities nonprofit that makes mortgage payments for parents who have a critically ill or injured child. The dozen dads pictured received such payments and are showing their gratitude by baring a bit of their bods, spare tires and all.

Merkel is Mr. January, photographed propped on one elbow, lying on his beige family room carpet in cargo shorts behind a chess set.