The 13th annual King of the Wing contest, a much-anticipated event in the U.S. Virgin Islands, wrapped up with an impressive charitable outcome, raising over $139,000 for the Nana Baby Children’s Home (NBH) in St. Thomas. The check presentation ceremony, which took place Wednesday at the children’s home, marked a significant moment for the contest’s organizers, Alpine and White Bay Group, as they handed over the donation to NBH Executive Director Darian Hairston and the dedicated staff of the children’s home.
A Flavorful and Charitable Event
The King of the Wing contest, a highly popular chicken wing cook-off, has become a signature event for both locals and visitors alike. Held annually at the picturesque Magens Bay Beach, the competition attracts teams from top local restaurants, businesses, and organizations, as well as passionate chicken wing enthusiasts. This year’s event, which took place on June 8, had a festive atmosphere, drawing in large crowds who came to enjoy the food, music, and community spirit while also contributing to a worthy cause.
According to a press release from the event’s organizers, the total donation for 2024 reached $139,059, bringing the total funds raised for charity since the contest’s inception in 2010 to over $922,000. These funds have supported various local nonprofits, but this year, all proceeds went to Nana Baby Children’s Home, a nonprofit organization providing shelter, care, and support to foster children in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Star-Studded Guests and Judges
The King of the Wing event is not only about delicious food; it also attracts notable figures from the local entertainment and culinary scenes. This year, the event featured a live performance by the popular St. Thomas-born musical duo, R. City, who not only entertained the crowd but also had the honor of crowning the winners of the contest.
Returning as a judge was Chef Taj, the winner of the 2019 King of the Wing contest, who joined a panel of culinary experts and influencers. Other judges included Chef Sunil Sharma, Chef Cory Dezendorf (the 2022 King of the Wing winner), and content creator @MisoHungrry, known for his social media presence and foodie content. Janeisha John, a prominent figure from the Zeus Network, also lent her expertise to the judging panel.
The diverse judging panel helped ensure that the contest’s winners were selected based on a combination of culinary skill, creativity, and flavor, with the competition featuring a range of wing styles from classic to innovative, prepared by some of the best culinary teams in the region.
Contest Winners and Results
The contest is divided into two categories: the Restaurant Division and the Non-Restaurant Division. In the Restaurant Division, Nomads Bar & Grille took home the top honors, securing the title of the best wings in this category. Meanwhile, Electric Factory Energy, a non-restaurant participant, dominated both the Best Overall Wing category and the top prize in the Non-Restaurant Division.
The competition this year was fierce, with 36 teams vying for the coveted titles, and all proceeds from the event being donated to the Nana Baby Children’s Home. Deloitte conducted a thorough audit of the event’s fundraising efforts to ensure full transparency and accountability, adding credibility to the contest’s charitable mission.
A Vital Fundraiser for Local Charities
More than just a cook-off, King of the Wing serves as an important fundraising event that highlights the culinary culture of the Virgin Islands while supporting local charities. As in previous years, the event’s primary goal was to raise funds for a nonprofit organization that benefits the local community. This year, the spotlight was on Nana Baby Children’s Home, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing shelter, care, and a safe environment for children in the foster care system.
Charles Kim, managing partner of Alpine, expressed his pride in the event’s growth and success. “King of the Wing highlights and celebrates the culinary culture of the Virgin Islands community. We enjoy organizing an event that continues to increase its charitable impact every year,” Kim said in a statement. “Our chosen charitable beneficiary receives 100% of the profits from KOW,” he added, emphasizing the event’s commitment to supporting those in need.
Since its inception in 2010, King of the Wing has become one of the Virgin Islands’ most successful fundraising events. The contest has raised a total of over $922,000 for various local nonprofits, with each year surpassing expectations in terms of attendance and financial contributions. The event continues to evolve and expand, drawing larger crowds and more participants with each passing year.
A Record-Breaking Year
The 2024 edition of King of the Wing exceeded all expectations, drawing thousands of attendees and generating the largest donation in the event’s history. With 36 teams participating, the competition featured a wide array of wing flavors and creative presentations, making it a standout event in the local culinary scene. The total amount raised—$139,059—was a testament to the generosity of the Virgin Islands community, with attendees, sponsors, and participants all coming together to support the Nana Baby Children’s Home.
For Executive Director Darian Hairston and her team at Nana Baby, the donation comes at a crucial time. The funds will be used to continue the organization’s important work in providing care for foster children in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hairston expressed her gratitude for the support, saying, “This donation is a blessing for our organization. It will help us continue to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the children who need it most.”
Community Support and Future Plans
King of the Wing has become much more than a simple food competition—it has grown into a beloved community event that brings together people from all walks of life to support a good cause. As the event continues to grow, its organizers are already looking ahead to next year’s contest, which promises to be even bigger and more impactful.
Charles Kim and his team at Alpine have expressed their commitment to making King of the Wing a signature event for the Virgin Islands, and their efforts have paid off in spades. With each passing year, the contest not only raises funds for local charities but also strengthens the bonds within the community, uniting people from across the region in support of a common cause.
“We’re already looking forward to King of the Wing 2025,” Kim said. “Our goal is to continue growing the event, raising more money for local nonprofits, and providing a fun, exciting experience for everyone involved.”
Conclusion
The 13th annual King of the Wing contest was an overwhelming success, raising a record-breaking $139,059 for the Nana Baby Children’s Home. With its focus on both celebrating local culinary talent and supporting vital community causes, the event has become a cornerstone of Virgin Islands fundraising. As the contest continues to grow and evolve, it remains a testament to the power of community involvement and the impact of supporting those in need.
With over $922,000 raised since its inception, King of the Wing has proven that a fun, competitive event can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most. The success of the 2024 contest sets the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come.
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