La Porte County - May 26, 2026 - The Salvation Army serving La Porte County invites the community to its 11th annual Donut Eating Contest, taking place Friday, June 5 at Blue Chip Casino Stardust Event Center, Michigan City. Doors open at 9 a.m., with the contest beginning promptly at 10 a.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

One of the most anticipated highlights of this year's competition is the return of reigning champion Ben Bachmann, representing Phi Delta Kappa and Michigan City Area Schools. Bachmann, the Athletic Director at Michigan City High School is back for his third year after winning the past two contests and setting a record of eating 20 donuts in ten minutes. In 2025, he tied with Victor Hernandez of CLH CPAs & Consultants at 20 donuts, forcing a tie-breaker round that Bachmann ultimately won. With Hernandez also returning this year, the stage is set for a highly anticipated rematch.

The competition will once again featurea  strong lineup of local community leaders. Joining Bachmann and Hernandez are Jenni Alexander (La Porte County Family YMCA), Jon Arlow (Sullivan-Palatek), Derrick Arnett (Arnett Construction), Det. Corporal Dylan Barden (La Porte Police Department), Jocelyn Colburn (Michigan City Police Department), Brad Ellett (Ruoff Mortgage), Dakota Euler (La Porte County Weights and Measures), Alexis Garcia (NorthShore Health Centers), Kristy Hahn (Family Advocates), Deputy Dylan Hisick (La Porte County Sheriff's Office), Marissa Hughart (Absolute Wages), Linda Moore (ServPro), Toni Kester Bulger (La Porte County Public Library), Liz Pina (Michigan City Chamber of Commerce), and Andrew Prentice (The Salvation Army).

Contestants will compete to eat the most donuts in 10 minutes, with this year's donuts provided by Al's Supermarket. Returning as emcees and judges are Katie Eaton of NIPSCO and Mike Hackett of Harbour Trust & Investment Management Services, bringing energy and expertise back to the event.

"This event continues to be a fun and meaningful way for our community to come together." said Major Dale Simmons, who leads The Salvation Army of La Porte County alongside his wife, Major Becky Simmons. "Year after year, we see incredible enthusiasm from both contestants and spectators, all in support of programs that serve our neighbors in need."

Proceeds from the contest benefit vital Salvation Army services in La Porte County, including the food pantry, diaper bank, weekend backpack feeding program, free summer camp for local children, free clothing room, case management, spiritual care, and more.

Community members can take part by voting for their favorite contestant. Each $10 donation counts as one vote for the competitor you think will eat the most donuts. After the contest, one lucky voter who supported the winning contestant will be randomly selected to receive a $50 gift card from the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce. Votes can be cast online at salarmy.us/MCdonuts26 or in person at the event.

The Donut Eating Contest is held in celebration of National Donut Day, honoring a tradition that began during World War I when Salvation Army "Donut Lassies" served donuts and provided comfort to soldiers on the front lines. Today, the event continues that legacy while raising awareness and support for local programs.

Sponsors for the 11th annual Donut Eating Contest include Blue Chip Casino, GAF, and the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce. For more information about The Salvation Army, visit www.samichigancity.org or www.salaporte.org or call (219) 874-6885 or (219) 326-5342.