Several Milwaukee executives and community leaders participated in a speed donut-eating competition this week to raise funds for the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County.
Milwaukee agency Zizzo Group Engagement Marketing hosted its fifth annual “Donut Smackdown” contest over a few days this week, which drew the likes of Jim Kanter, chief commercial officer of Central Standard Craft Distillery and returning smackdown champion; Dan Jessup, managing director of JLL Milwaukee; and Gaulien “Gee” Smith, owner of Gee’s Clippers.
Each of the 17 participants were challenged to eat six donuts as quickly as they can and will now make appeals to their networks for donations to United Way with the goal of raising $50,000 this year.
Last year, the event had 11 participants and raised more than $25,000 for United Way.
Winners will be announced in two categories: speed-eating and fundraising.
The virtual challenge will be streamed from 5-7 p.m. Dec. 7 on Facebook Live. In addition, Central Standard Crafthouse and Kitchen will also host an in-person party, including a live and virtual broadcasting of the “Donut Smackdown” competition video and a live reveal of the first-, second- and third-place winners for donut eating and fundraising.
Participants include:
- Alice Ambrowiak, investment analyst at Baird
- Bob Coletti, owner, Express Employment Professionals
- David Caruso, president and creative director, Dynamic Events
- Mark Cyganiak, president, ServiceMaster Recovery Services
- Nick Hepner, senior associate, brokerage, JLL
- Karen Hung, founder and CEO, Silver Rock Consulting
- Dan Jessup, executive vice president, JLL
- Jim Kanter, chief commercial officer, The Central Standard Craft Distillery
- Ann Lebiecki, realtor, Shorewest
- Alissa Peeters, assistant vice president, Tri City National Bank
- Dr. Miranda Peter, owner, High Point Dentistry
- Skip Robinson, vice president of camp and club operations, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee
- Kate Schlesinger, solutions advisor, Wisconsin School of Business Center for Professional & Executive Development
- Gaulien “Gee” Smith, owner of Gee’s Clippers
- Simmi Urbanek, director of marketing, Greenfire Management Services, LLC
- Joe Zizzo, Zizzo Group Engagement Marketing and 3x “Donut Smackdown” Champion
All photos courtesy of Zizzo Group.
