Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity held ‘Hot Dogs for Heroes’ at What Up Dawg?, 317 M.A.C Ave., on Wednesday. Proceeds raised from the event were donated to Wounded Warrior Project, a charity that aids injured and transitioning veterans.
On Wednesday afternoon, criminal justice junior Joe Gianino sat at the bar with his fraternity brothers preparing himself, both mentally and physically, for the onslaught of hot dogs that would greet him later.
“I think I’m going to snack a little throughout the day so I have a big stomach,” he said.
Gianino participated in the second Phi Kappa Sigma hot dog eating contest Wednesday at What Up Dawg?, 317 M.A.C. Ave.
The event, Hot Dogs for Heroes, is meant to benefit Wounded Warrior Project, or WWP. The WWP seeks to raise citizen awareness of servicemen and their often-overlooked needs, particularly injured and transitioning veterans.
Psychology senior John Schwartz, who also is the Phi Kappa Sigma philanthropy chairman, said he chose WWP particularly because of the organization’s work with veterans.
“A lot of these guys come back and are thrown right back into a different world, which can be really hard,” he said. “(The WWP) does a lot with helping them adjust back.”
Gianino said while he’s excited to be competing, he’s also happy to be helping out.
“I think it’s one of the best (charities) because it’s benefiting heroes overseas and the men who give their life and limb for our freedom,” he said.
What Up Dawg? cook Jordan Leece said during the fraternity’s 2011 hot dog contest, competitors shocked him with their dog-guzzling capabilities.
“Watching (them) eat (the hot dogs) in less than two minutes was sickening,” he said. “(One of them) just swallowed them whole; I can’t even explain it.”
Gianino watches Nathan’s Famous July 4 International Hot Dog-Eating Contest every year, but said he can’t bring himself to eat the hotdogs.
“I don’t want to puke,” he said. “I want to enjoy the hot dog.”
Schwartz said watching people get creative in the competition adds to the fun of the event.
“I remember (from) last year (that) it’s really fun to see some of the people wolf down these hot dogs — the innovation to wolf them down as fast as possible.”
To serve the lighter stomachs of East Lansing, What Up Dawg? agreed to donate 20 percent of all sales made between 6-11 p.m. to WWP.
No matter how many hot dogs were eaten, Phi Kappa Sigma brother and environmental biology senior Dustin Golembiewski said it’s all to benefit the real cause — WWP.
“I think it’s a great event helping out a worthy cause,” he said.
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