Corner Brook’s burger challenge has far exceeded anyone’s expectations.
The Best in the West Burger Competition was launched by 12 Months 12 Miracles to assist the toy drive in a year when they are in need of help due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The challenge, in which 13 local restaurants made a special burger, competing for the best one, was held to raise money for the Corner Brook Fire Department’s annual Christmas toy drive.
One dollar from each burger sold through November would go toward the toy drive fund.
Stella Michel, founder of 12 Months 12 Miracles, told SaltWire Network she expected to raise about $1,000.
But the challenge took on a life of its own.
Once the tally was counted, Michel had a cheque for $15,675 to present to the Corner Brook Fire Department.
“I’m elated by the amount,” Michel said. “I didn’t see it coming. To see businesses and restaurants step up, and this has been such a difficult year for everybody, not only families needing help right now, but also for businesses. A lot of them got hit really hard. To see them step up, it says a lot about the business community.”
Greg Dinney, chair of the Corner Brook Fire Department's toy drive, called the amount raised “unbelievable.”
“We weren’t expecting anywhere near that when we first talked about the competition,” Dinney said. “When she presented that cheque to us, over $15,000, that just blew our minds. It blew all expectations we had out of the water. The whole last month has just been awesome, seeing people out in the community supporting it, all the businesses, all the restaurants. It was just unbelievable.”
Dinney said 2020 was a harder year for many families because of the pandemic.
He estimates there were about 350 kids last year that the department's toy drive helped, but anticipates more this year.
“It helps us a ton, especially this year,” he said.
Dinney said he is grateful to the businesses and everyone who came out to support the challenge.
Matching donations
The Wayward Spruce, a new restaurant in Corner Brook, started a trend during the challenge, in which businesses matched every dollar donated.
That played a significant part in the large sum raised.
Allan Kendall, owner of The Wayward Spruce, said he felt it was necessary to do a little more to help, given the challenging year so many have faced.
“2020 has been a very challenging year for so, so many people,” he said. “Many people have lost their jobs, family incomes have been severely impacted and we just thought it would be nice to do something extra special this year, where others may not be able to do what they normally would be able to do for their families. We thought, if we could, we’d make the effort to up the ante and try to make Christmas nicer for the kids who really needed it.”
Kendall also contacted friends in financial management, who also contributed a dollar for every sale.
Kendall said this initiative seemed to spark other businesses to do the same.
Some businesses sold burgers for as much as $5 and $7.
Other activities also contributed to the sum.
Michel said they also hosted a dartboard ticket sale, a “musical madness” event, an auction for Christmas wall art and an auction for a board by Traditions by Miranda Art. There was also the 12 Months 12 Miracles funding they receive each year.
The burger challenge may have been the first of its kind in Corner Brook, but it may not be the last.
Michel said it was something she would definitely consider doing again.
Meanwhile, the Corner Brook Fire Department toy drive is still accepting donations.
Anyone who wishes to contribute can donate via eTransfer to [email protected].
Participating 'burger challenge' restaurants
Each restaurant that participated in the Best in the West Burger Competition was presented with a certificate. Each restaurant, their burger and their certificate is provided below.
Crown & Moose, Nacho Burger: Best in the West Burger;
Humber Valley Resort Beach House, Ranchero Burger: Best in the West Service;
Blue Whale Diner (Trout River), Super Burger and Mozza Bacon Chicken Burger: Best in the West Burger Presentation;
Sorrento Restaurant, Souvlaki Burger: Best in the West Burger Aimee's Choice;
Glynmill Inn, Harvest Burger: Best in the West Burger Cory's Choice;
Deer Lake Motel, Powerhouse Burger: Best in the West Burger Jeff's Choice;
Wayward Spruce, Wayward Burger: Best in the West Burger Stella's Choice;
Best Coast Restaurant, Best Coast Burger: Best in the West Burger Most Burgers Sold;
Wingin' It Corner Brook, Gander Airmail Burger: Best in the West Chicken Burger;
Shez West, Peppercorn Mushroom Swiss: Best in the West Burger Atmosphere;
Crown & Moose, Nacho Burger: Best in the West Most Unique Burger;
Cabot Corner, Bullwinkle Burger: Best in the West Best Priced Burger;
Newfoundland Comfort Food, Comfort Burger: Best in the West Most Filling Burger;
Crooked Feeder Gastropub, Mmm (Mozzarella Mushroom Melt) Burger: Best in the West Burger Most Spirited Participants;
Fox's General Store, Dippin' Dots: Best in the West Burger Community Heart.
