Three City Departments Set to Gorge for Good

In a city that boasts a world within walking distance, maybe we can excuse the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department, and the city police and public works departments for participating in an eating competition, fundraiser and publicity stunt slated for 3 p.m. today. That's when they'll be gathering in Hyattsville's Elevation Burger to face off in a three-way race to see which team can scarf down a 10-patty hamburger in the shortest amount of time. 

No word yet on if there'll be a biggest-loser style competition to walk the calories off through Hyattsville's historic and oh so trendy mixed use neighborhoods.

So that's where the eating competition comes in. There's even a trophy up for grabs, the inaugural Vertigo Cup. 

But it's also a fundraiser, gathering money to benefit the Special Olympics of Prince George's County. For every patty sold throughout the day, the restaurant will donate $2 to the charity. 

"Dine, donate, or just take in the action," reads the flier. 

It goes without saying that this is also an excellent public relations stunt on the part of Elevation Burger.

Elevation Burger's Hyattsville location isn't the first one to try something like this. Apparently back in 2009, their Austin, Tex. location held a "Vertigo Burger Challenge". However, that event appeared to be a something of an open format, with individual competitors vying for a year of free burgers. 

Look for more coverage on this dignified affair later.