Big Night at Hot Wing Eating Contest for United Way is Even Bigger as Total Raised Reaches $100,000
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on January 28, 2026
The United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties celebrated a night of fiery competition, community spirit, and remarkable generosity during its annual Hot Wing Eating Contest held last night at Buffalo Wild Wings. For weeks leading up to the event, twenty-three contestants from companies including Antero Resources, Bad Lizard Granite & Quartz, the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center, Black Bear Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, The Thrasher Group, Harry Green Chevrolet, and Jennings Excavating had been raising money for the United Way’s 2026 Campaign. They continued their fundraising efforts throughout the evening while competing to see who could eat the most hot wings in eight
minutes.
minutes.
At the end of the night, it was announced that the contestants had collectively raised an impressive $96,008. Moments later, an anonymous donor stepped forward with a check for $3,992, ensuring the group reached its $100,000 goal.
The event also recognized outstanding individual and team fundraising achievements. Loraina Lafferty of Antero Resources earned the top fundraiser trophy after raising an extraordinary $28,997 on her own. With additional top fundraisers from Antero including Wade Prater with $17,140, Michelle Brown with $11,159, and Cory Thomas with $10,116, it came as no surprise that Antero once again took home the Corporate Cup, the traveling trophy awarded to the company that raises the most overall. First-time contestants Robbie Shaw and Scotty Means from Bad Lizard Granite & Quartz also made a strong debut, raising $8,350 for the campaign.
The wing-eating competition was just as spirited. Robbie Miller of Antero Resources claimed the men’s title with 38 wings, narrowly edging out Paul Jones of the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center, who finished with 37. Lafferty added to her fundraising victory by taking home
the women’s wing-eating trophy after eating 17 hot wings. The Chicken Little Trophy, awarded to the contestant who eats the fewest wings, went to Michelle Brown, who accepted it with good humor.
the women’s wing-eating trophy after eating 17 hot wings. The Chicken Little Trophy, awarded to the contestant who eats the fewest wings, went to Michelle Brown, who accepted it with good humor.
“Winning the contest for the third time is rewarding, but what really matters is the cause behind it,” said Robbie Miller, Environmental Field Tech at Antero Resources. “I’m proud to work for a company that encourages us to show up for our community, have some fun and give back in meaningful ways.”
United Way Executive Director Martin Howe praised the dedication of all participants and highlighted Lafferty’s exceptional commitment. He noted that she consistently goes above and beyond each year, and this year’s effort was truly extraordinary. Howe emphasized that the support from every company and individual involved makes a meaningful difference for families throughout Harrison and Doddridge counties and that the United Way’s work would not be possible without such strong community involvement.
The annual Hot Wing Eating Contest remains one of the United Way’s most spirited traditions, bringing together friendly competition, local pride, and a shared commitment to improving lives across the region.
For more information about United Way HDC, please visit UnitedWayHDC.org
Editor's Note: Photos by Joe LaRocca.
