SANDUSKY, Ohio — Some people in northeast Ohio are downing donuts for a cause.


What You Need To Know

  • The Donut Eating Contest in Sandusky challenged professional and amateur eaters to eat as many donuts as they could in eight minutes to support Ability Works

  • Molly Schuyler won the contest after eating 69 donuts 

  • 50 dozen donuts were available for contestants to eat

The Donut Eating Contest in Sandusky challenged professional and amateur eaters to polish off as many glazed treats as possible in eight minutes.

The sugar rush was to support the nonprofit Ability Works. 

When Christopher Jackson saw the event online he knew he had to sign up. 

“I love donuts,” he said. “Donuts are one of my food groups.”

But he’s usually not trying to swallow as many as he can in a short time.

“This is a bad idea,” he said during the competition. “This is the worst decision I’ve made today.”

Jackson and other foodies surprised event organizer Jerod Blakely with their eagerness to eat. 

“We had 50 dozen (donuts) for the contestants and there’s not many left,” he said.

The event is about more than the baked goods, though. 

“(It) raises money for individuals with special needs in Erie County and surrounding counties, so I just think it’s fantastic,” Blakely said. “And why not?”

Award-winning eaters like Nathan Klein used their experience to their advantage.

“I just make sure to do it in moderation and I live a very, very healthy lifestyle outside of this. Believe it or not," he said.

He won third place at the event. 

“Very full, a sugar rush,” he said. “But it was a good time.”

Fans of the sweet treats like Jackson brought some attention to the cause.

“It’s his job to embarrass us,” said Jackson’s daughter Josilyn. “So I’ve learned to just roll with it.”

“My husband won’t come, he’s too embarrassed,” said Rachel Lublow, who’s a contestant in the event.

She had other cheerleaders, though, and a passion for the pastries on her side.

“I have donut Crocs on. I had donuts at my wedding as my wedding cake,” she said. “I’m a lifelong donut connoisseur.”

But winning isn’t everything.

“It was fun,” Lublow said. “I’m trying not to throw up.”

Molly Schuyler won the contest by eating 69 donuts in eight minutes.