Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v03n22)
Broad Ripple Bagel Deli pickle contest raises money for kids in need: Two-time champ beats her own record - by Ashley Plummer
posted: Nov. 03, 2006
by Ashley Plummer
In a rather "gorging" sense, Broad Ripple Bagel Deli doubled its earnings from last year's pickle-eating contest to raise money for the Children of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The loot topped out at almost $4,000.
Over forty local businesses took the risk to nominate one of their lucky employees to attempt to eat three pickles (a round-about total of almost two pounds of pickles) in the quickest amount of time possible.
In a stunning display of pickle-eating excellence, pint-size Molly Flynn, last year's champ, beat her own record of four minutes and 38 seconds by about 20 seconds (clocking in this year at four minutes, 17 seconds). In a close second was Brian from Kayak Pools, polishing off his three pickles about 15 seconds behind Flynn.
While the major goal of the contest was benefiting the kids, it also seemed to bring out the charitable side of the Broad Ripple community.
Being that the local Starbucks could not front the $100 entry fee due to corporate ownership, the employees sacrificed two weeks worth of their own tips to participate, while Old Pro's Table bar made multiple donations to allow four employees to participate.
Local media outlets, including RadioNow 93.1, WISH TV 8 (and of course, The Broad Ripple Gazette!) were also on hand to cover the events as they unfolded.
Bagel Deli owners Ken and Susan Richmond look forward to next year's contest being an even larger success, and hope that more people will take part in a fun event which benefits a great cause.
At only half a pickle eaten, Liv from Old Pro's Table has a long way to go.
Heidi Huff
Mikey from the 93.1 Morning Mess watches as Brandi from The Aristocrat works on her third and last pickle of this round.