Reigning champ defends title and wins $1,000 for local church

LANSING, Mich. — Quality Dairy hosted its second annual pączki eating contest Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, at the REO Town Clubhouse in Lansing, bringing together community members in a spirited competition that also supported local charities.

For the second year, LAFCU partnered with QD and matched the first-place winner’s prize donation, doubling the contribution to the winning contestant’s chosen charity.

The event, which featured a fun and energetic atmosphere, challenged participants to eat as many pączki as possible within three minutes while raising funds for charitable organizations.

“At LAFCU, we’re always looking for ways to support the community, and this event is a perfect example of how a fun tradition can have a meaningful impact,” said Kellie Swiger, creative director at LAFCU. “By matching the prize for the winner, we’re helping a local nonprofit continue its work in the community. It’s inspiring to see participants competing not just for a win, but for causes that makes a difference.”

Seated side by side in official QD aprons, four contestants faced off in a thrilling race against the clock, with spotters ensuring fair play. Spectators erupted in cheers, fueling the competitors’ determination to claim the top prize. Adding to the festive atmosphere, QD’s updated pączki mascot and LAFCU’s Laff-e the Cow, made special appearances. Participants began with the classic prune pączki before working their way through an array of flavors, including the newest addition, churro.

Akiem Harshman successfully defended his title as the first-place winner, eating three paczki and securing a $1,000 donation for Judson Baptist Church, along with a $250 QD Cash Card.

“It was a lot of fun to come back and compete again,” said Harshman. “Winning this money for the church is really cool because they use it to better their outreach and help the community including those who are in need.”

Second place went to Robert Howell, who earned a $300 donation for Ducks Unlimited Red Cedar Chapter. John Mullin placed third, winning $200 for Advent House Ministries, and Shannon Spainhower secured fourth place, earning a $100 donation for the Capitol Area Humane Society Spay and Neuter Clinic.

About LAFCU

Founded in 1936, LAFCU (pronounced laugh-cue) is a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union open to all who live, work, worship or attend school in Michigan, and to Michigan businesses. LAFCU serves more than 74,000 members and holds over $1 billion in assets. With a particular focus on serving people of modest means, LAFCU is committed to enhancing its members’ financial well-being and creating long-lasting positive change across generations. Awarded the prestigious Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award, LAFCU is known for its people-helping-people mission, which has led to award-winning financial literacy programs for all ages. Honored as a national ‘Best Credit Union to Work For’ and recognized globally for its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, LAFCU stands out for its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace. Learn more at www.lafcu.com.

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Photo captions

LAFCU_QD Contest Winner with Check.jpg — Akiem Harshman, center, holds a $1,000 donation check for Judson Baptist Church provided by Quality Dairy and LAFCU, for winning his second annual QD pączki eating contest. Harshman is joined by representatives from LAFCU and QD, along with Laff-e the Cow.

LAFCU_QD Contest Starting.jpg — Contestants, prepared to take on the challenge at Quality Dairy’s second annual pączki eating contest, with support from LAFCU, who matched the first-place winner’s prize donation to the charity of their choice.