Burger Challenge Nets $850 For Special Olympics

Hyattsville city employees and volunteers raised a whopping $850 for the Special Olympics of Prince George's County. 

The fundraising haul was announced at a trophy presentation held during to honor the winners of the inaugural Vertigo Burger Challenge. 

The competitive eating event pitted three-man teams from Hyattsville's fire department, police department and public works department against each other in  

According to Abby Sandel, Hyattsville's communication director, the idea for the event was sparked when city Code Inspector Joe Brewer became curious if anyone had ever eaten the 10-patty Vertigo Burger advertised on Elevation Burger's menu. From that inquiry a year later was born the inaugural Vertigo Burger Challenge.

Needless to say, . Gut wrenching at times, even. 

At stake was a trophy, featuring a golden "organic" cow atop a shiny cup, and bragging rights.

ended up winning the cup, posting a combined time of just over 19 minutes to consume just about 90 hamburger patties, six hamburger buns and three baskets of fries. 

This was the first time the city police department defeated the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department in an inter-municipal challenge. 

For every patty sold at the throughout the day, the restaurant  donated $2 to the Special Olympics of Prince George's County.

Franchise owner David Wallis and restaurant manager Monica Astrea presented the Vertigo Burger Challenge Trophy, graced by a shiny "organic" cow, to Officer Daniel Parrish, who helped his squad eat its way to victory. 

Next year, Wallis promised the challenge would blow this one out of the water. 

Dennis Vacante, a member of the county Special Olympics management team, praised the novelty of the fundraiser. 

"We're always looking for new, inventive ways to raise money, and this is an exceptional way," said Vacante after being presented with the $850 check by Wallis. "This is fantastic, I thank you."