On July 4, 2003, Nathan’s Famous donated 10,000 hot dogs to America’s Second Harvest, the nation’s largest hunger relief charity. Nathan’s made the donation during the proceedings at its annual July Fourth Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island.
“As America celebrates Independence Day, with barbecues, picnics and the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, it is important that we all remember hunger is an issue that thousands of Americans deal with each day,” said Wayne Norbitz, president and COO of Nathan’s Famous, in a statement. “Second Harvest has been serving the needs of America’s hungry since 1979, and we are thrilled to assist them in their ongoing efforts.”
On hand to accept the donation for Second Harvest was Al Brislain, senior vice president of affiliate services for the charity. Mr. Brislain said: “I’d like to thank Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs on behalf of the 10,000 hungry kids who will enjoy a special treat as a result of this generous donation.”
The 88th Annual Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest is a culmination of an eight-week hot dog eating contest circuit, with events occurring in Miami, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Norfolk, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Vancouver, and other cities.
This year, Takeru Kobayashi of Japan won his third straight world championship title.