Hungry contestants will gather at The Avenue Bar & Grill in Glendale later this month to fill their stomachs for a good cause.
On Friday, Nov. 17, The Avenue Bar & Grill will host the annual King of the Wing chicken wing eating contest to help raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Middle Village Relay for Life team.
During the contest, seven contestants will try to eat as many chicken wings as they can in 10 minutes. With each wing they consume they will earn money for the Middle Village Relay for Life team based on how much their sponsors wish to donate.
This year’s contestants are: Robert Fox; Leandra Navetta; Mike Naumowicz, a local salesman for Energy LLC, patrol volunteer for the 104th Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol (104COP), member of the council of the Glendale Knights of Columbus; George Rosario, NYC’s Hometown Realtor with Coldwell Banker, and member of the Kiwanis Club of Glendale; Len Santoro, Relay for Life Online Chair, president of the 104th Precinct Community Council, and vice president of the Juniper Park Civic Association; Michelle Redaj; and Simona Klein.
“I have never been in a chicken wing eating contest before so I am not sure how many I can eat,” Santoro said. “I am hoping to eat at least 20. Last year I was able to eat 10 hot dogs in just about 3 minutes so I am thinking I can do about twice as many wings in 10 minutes.”
Last year, The Avenue hosted the King of the Wing contest to help raise money for the Middle Village Relay for Life team, and the contestants are looking to make this year even better.
“The event was great last year. The event is a lot of fun and I was happy to sponsor the contestants and that’s what made me want to be a contestant this year,” Santoro added. “The Avenue Grill is a great partner and they have been so supportive. We have two women that work at the Avenue that are participants as well. We do compete against other Relays to raise the most for this event. I have raised a little over $300 from friends, family and co-workers. I want to encourage everyone to come on out and have some fun while fighting cancer.”
There is still time to sponsor one of the contestants and help raise money for a good cause. Visit the Relay for Life Middle Village Facebook page to sign up as a sponsor. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society.
“First and foremost we are always ready to get behind all good causes, this one especially since it hits home because my grandmother and a dear family friend passed away from cancer, and my mother is a cancer survivor,” said Robert Shoemig, owner of The Avenue. “Every dollar counts to beating cancer.”
The Avenue Bar & Grill is located at 71-22 Myrtle Ave.; the “King of the Wing” contest will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17.
