The Salvation Army of Michigan City is planning a Tournament of Champions for its 10th Annual Donut Eating Contest June 6.
This year’s competition will feature past champions and top finishers from the last decade. Trooper Ken Payonk of the Indiana State Police set the all-time record in 2023 by devouring 16 donuts in 10 minutes. He returns to defend his title against a lineup of seasoned contenders and hungry newcomers, all competing to see who can eat the most Krispy Kreme donuts in 10 minutes.
Other returning champions include:
• Ben Bachmann – 1st place, 2024 (11 donuts)
• Jim Carmichael – 4th place, 2023 (10 donuts)
• Kane Fletcher – 3rd place, 2022 (11 donuts)
• Andrew Hahn – 1st place, 2021 (9 donuts)
• Jenilee Haynes-Peterson – 1st place, 2020 (6 donuts)
• Tony Lemon – 3rd place, 2023 (13 donuts)
• Landon Roberts – 2nd place, 2024 (10 donuts)
• Gage Waldo – 3rd place, 2024 (9 donuts)
New challengers include:
• Conner Conklin
• Donnie Drake
• Scott Helmkamp
• Victor Hernandez
• Anthony Holt
• Jeremiah Jones
• Chey Rainey
• Scott Howat
“This year marks a decade of fun, friendly competition, and community support through our Donut Eating Contest,” said Major Dale Simmons who leads The Salvation Army of Michigan City alongside his wife, Major Becky Simmons, in a press release. “It’s the perfect time to honor our past champions while also welcoming new faces to the table. And it all supports critical local programs.”
Proceeds from the contest will benefit Salvation Army services, including the food pantry, diaper bank, weekend backpack feeding program, free summer camp, free clothing room and case management.
The event will take place June 6 at Blue Chip Casino’s Stardust Event Center in Michigan City. Doors open at 9 a.m. The contest starts at 10 a.m. Admission is free and open to the public. Learn more here.
The Donut Eating Contest is held in celebration of National Donut Day. The contest recognizes a tradition started by The Salvation Army during World War I, when Donut Lassies served fresh donuts to soldiers on the front lines.
