3 minute read
Record Breaking Fundraiser
Record Breaking Fundraiser
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
The RONA Vegreville Harvest Sale offered many delights including prize draws, food and refreshments, and a fundraising Perogy Eating Contest on Sept. 20.
The excitement started when the Perogy Eating Contest began. Attendees watched the 15 contestants rush to gulp down the most perogies they could in seven minutes.
Derrick Sowalski was the first-place winner when he broke his record from last year by eating 43 perogies, besting his 2023 record of 42 by one slippery but courageous morsel.
Sowalski said it felt good to win and that it was a difficult competition. He practiced with high-volume meals before the contest. “It is a long competition; seven minutes doesn’t seem like a long time but when a person eats that much food, it takes a toll on you.”
The second-place winner was Isaak Harder who ate 37 perogies. Harder admitted that it was a lot of fun having the community there. “I think my determination helped me to win. I feel full but I will be good until supper time.”
Manager Ben Sawatzky explained this event was a way to liquidate their overstock and to clear out seasonal items as well as provide an opportunity for the community to have fun. There were approximately 150 people in attendance.
“All the entry proceeds and donations from the Perogy Eating Contest will go to Vegreville Food Bank where we raised $2,100 this year.” This was the fourth year that the fundraiser for the Vegreville Food Bank has been held.
RONA is a full-service building supply store with seasonal items such as barbecues, patios, Halloween decorations, and appliances. RONA has been operating in the community for the past year and a half and previously, Vantage Building Supplies hosted the event.
