HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Salvation Army is gearing up to host its 4th Annual Donut Eating Contest on Third Thursday, May 15, at 6 p.m. in front of Hutch Autobody at the corner of Avenue A and Walnut.
As Salvation Army Corps Officer Major Paul James put it, “One thing sweeter than helping a neighbor in need is when you can eat a Daylight Donut.”
Contestants will eat glazed donuts provided by Daylight Donuts and compete for the following awards:
Awards to be given out at the contest:
- Eating the most donuts in 5 minutes
- People’s Choice Award for the most online donations
- Raising the Most Dough Award for the most donations during the event
The event is in honor of The Salvation Army’s National Donut Day, the first Friday of June each year.
According to The Salvation Army, the roots of Donut Day go back to WWI, when women “Donut Lassies” volunteered to serve donuts, coffee and pray with the men fighting. Major DJ James shared that his great grandmother was one of the Donut Lassies sent by The Salvation Army to serve donuts during the war.
The Donut Eating Contest on May 15 is also a fundraiser to help send children to The Salvation Army’s regional camp in the Kansas City area.
Major James worked at the camp as a young adult and shared the significance of being able to witness children having the opportunity to experience camping, saying, “This isn’t just a great opportunity for children, but it’s an affordable way for families to plan something special during the summer months when many summer options are out of financial reach.”
If interested, you can sign up children ages 7-17 for The Salvation Army’s regional camp at threetrailscamp.org. Camps consist of Kid’s Camp, Teen Camp, Sports Camp, and Music Camp. Camp cost is $10 per child while using the discount code: HUTCH25.
Show your support for the Donut Eating Contest by going to salarmy.us/hutchinsondonutday and selecting one of the competitors at the bottom of the page to sponsor or by clicking the link on Hutchinson Salvation Army’s Facebook page.
The event is also open to the public and free donuts will be available for those who show up in person.
For questions on how to donate, call Major James at 620-663-3353.
