News Summary
Milwaukee’s annual Zizzo Group Donut Smackdown kicks off, featuring over 50 local executives competing to raise $100,000 for gym repairs at the Daniels Mardak Boys & Girls Club. The event, running until October 24, involves teams challenging each other in donut eating and fundraising. The top teams qualify for the finale on November 20, with a presentation by a local sports legend. Last year, the event raised over $64,000, showcasing strong community support for local youth programs.
Milwaukee is hosting the annual Zizzo Group Donut Smackdown, beginning on Tuesday, with over 50 local executives participating to raise funds for gym repairs at the Daniels Mardak Boys & Girls Club. The club’s gym suffered extensive floor damage due to flooding last summer, and the event aims to collect $100,000 to replace it. This facility is crucial for recreational programming, as it serves as the main space for a variety of activities including basketball, volleyball, and indoor soccer.
Among the notable participants in this year’s competition are Milwaukee Fire Department Chief Aaron Lipski, Wisconsin State Fair Park Executive Director and CEO Shari Black, and Dr. George Koonce, Vice President of Advancement at Marian University and former Green Bay Packer. The donut-eating contest will run from now until October 24, engaging teams in a challenge to consume the most DonutNV mini donuts.
The teams will not only compete in donut consumption but also in fundraising efforts. The top three teams, based on their donut intake and funds raised, will qualify for a final competition scheduled for November 20. This concluding event, dubbed the “matinee” challenge, will be held at the historic Oriental Theatre of Milwaukee. Donald Driver, a Wisconsin sports legend, will present the 2025 Zizzo Group DonutNV Smackdown Champions with their title.
Last year, the Donut Smackdown raised over $64,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, showcasing the event’s effectiveness in garnering community support for local youth initiatives. This contest is a well-established, annual event that not only promotes fun for participants but also emphasizes the importance of supporting local children and community programs.
The motivation among competitors remains high, with many executives sharing tactics and strategies from previous contests to enhance their chances of success. In addition to competitive spirit, the event fosters camaraderie and commitment to a charitable cause. Donations can be made online to support both the participating teams and the overall fundraising goal, allowing community members to contribute towards the necessary gym repairs.
The need for funding stems from significant damage to the gym floor at the Daniels Mardak Boys & Girls Club. Without repairs, the facility cannot effectively serve the community, impacting the recreational programs that rely on it. This year’s fundraising efforts are particularly crucial given the challenges faced by many local organizations in maintaining facilities that facilitate youth engagement and development.
With substantial participation from local leaders and an engaging format, the Zizzo Group Donut Smackdown promises to be an exciting and impactful event. As Milwaukeeans gather to support this important cause, the hope remains that the community will once again rise to the occasion to surpass the previous year’s fundraising success.
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Additional Resources
- WISN: Donut Eating Contest Raises Funds
- Google Search: Milwaukee Donut Smackdown
- TMJ4: Milwaukee Business Leaders Compete
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Donuts
- BizTimes: Milwaukee Executives Speed Eating
- Google News: Community Fundraising Milwaukee
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
