HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A donut-eating contest at Thursday’s Third Thursday event in Grasshopper Park helped raise more than $12,000 to send children to camp this summer.
According to Major Paul James with the Salvation Army, the contest raised $12,198.70, including $9,997 in online donations and $2,201.70 in cash and checks collected during the event.
Adam Keller won the “Donut Champion” award after eating 19 donuts in five minutes.
Lacey Mills, United Way of Reno County director, won the “People’s Choice” award after edging out Hutchinson Mayor Scott Meggers in a last-minute push. Mills raised $2,870 in online donations before the contest.
Darrell Adams, representing Kiwanis, won the “Raising the Most Dough” award after raising $706 during the contest.
The fundraiser supports camp opportunities for children through The Salvation Army. Camp costs are estimated at $275 to $300 per child, but money raised through the event, along with a discount code available to families, lowers the cost to $20 per camper.
The event also included plenty of banter among contestants. Mark Buckley, owner of Toy Depot, received a giant donut after posting that he planned to eat only one donut but wanted to raise money to help send children to camp.
Sheila Regehr, head of communications and public affairs, served as emcee for the event. Regehr also helped secure water from Dillons and a $500 gift card, which will be used for travel food and snacks on the way to camps this summer. The gift card is in addition to the money raised.
Families can still register children for camp at ThreeTrailsCamp.org by using the discount code HN2026. Camps are filling up quickly. More information is available by calling 620-663-3353.