On Friday, June 7, in celebration of National Donut Day, The Salvation Army of Michigan City will hold its fourth annual Donut Eating Contest. This event will pit four teams against each other to see which three-person team can eat the most donuts in 10 minutes.
“This is always a fun day at The Salvation Army,” said Major Becky Simmons, who oversees The Salvation Army of Michigan City. “National Donut Day has roots with The Salvation Army, so it’s fun to celebrate some of our heritage on a day that we also get to see local celebrities eat dozens of donuts. It’s a great time.”
Simmons explained the origins of National Donut Day, saying the tradition dates back to World War I when The Salvation Army would deliver spiritual care and comfort items, including homemade donuts, to American soldiers on the front lines.
“The Salvation Army started National Donut Day during the Great Depression as a way to raise funds and bring awareness to The Salvation Army’s social service programs,” she said.
Competing this year are teams from the Michigan City Police Department, La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan City Area Schools and the reigning champs from the past two years – the Michigan City Fire Department.
Last year, the MCFD team managed to eat a combined 44 donuts in 10 minutes. This year’s fire department team – including Alfonso Bray and Chris Zubitius – hopes to retain the title and remain donut champions for the third straight year.
Team MCPD will be made up of Sgt. Matt Barr, Cpl. Greg Radiger and Officer Nick Charo. Team MCAS will be transportation operations manager Dave Hack, athletic director Craig Shaman and guidance counselor Linda Meyer. Representing Team LPSO will be Captain Andy Hynek, Deputy Bobby Greer and Det. Jake Koch.
With a $10 donation to The Salvation Army, the public can purchase a vote to support the team they think will win. Door prizes will be awarded including a one-month membership to Anytime Fitness and a gift certificate to Blue Chip Casino’s Spa Blu.
“The community is encouraged to come out and watch the donut eating contest. It’s sure to be a fun time,” Simmons said. “While most of the donuts will be eaten by our competitors, we will have plenty of donuts to share with the audience.”
The Salvation Army of Michigan City is pleased to partner with Al’s Supermarkets for this event, with the Al’s bakery donating dozens of donuts for the Donut Day celebration.
The Donut Eating Contest will take place on Friday, June 7 at 10 a.m. at The Salvation Army, 1201 S. Franklin Street, with Ric Federighi of WIMS emceeing the event. Votes will be available for purchase, and donuts will be available for those attending.
Proceeds from this event will support The Salvation Army of Michigan City programs and services including the food pantry, men’s overnight homeless shelter, diaper bank, school uniform exchange, weekend backpack program, utility assistance and more.
Sponsors of the event are Al’s Supermarkets, General Insurance Services, Blue Chip Casino, WIMS and Anytime Fitness.
To purchase a vote, or for more information on the event, call The Salvation Army of Michigan City at (219) 874-6885.