Hot Diggity Dog!

Employees of Quest Diagnostics are going above and beyond to garner support for our Volunteers in Protective Services (VIPS) program which provides mentors for abused an neglected children.

On August 20 Quest sponsored the 5th Annual “Rutt’s Hut Challenge”, a hot dog eating contest in which five very enthusiastic employees plowed through hot dogs for 30 minutes until a champion was crowned. Reigning champion Art “The Animal” Diaz ripped through 11 hot dogs to be the victor once again.

Quest employees have raised over $13,000 to date, with funds used to provide recreational and educational enhancement activities for the kids in the VIPS program.

”The children in our program are in desperate need of a little fun and attention in their lives,” says Cheryl Carroll, VIPS Program Director. “We’re delighted that Quest has chosen to help them in such a creative way.”

“This contest is one of the most fun and rewarding events we sponsor," says Dave Hertzel, chair of Quest’s reach! committee, which coordinates the event. "The spontaneous spirit, the collaboration of all involved, and the joy of helping children so deserving of our employees’ efforts has been a wonderful spectacle to behold.”

For more information on the VIPS program or other Volunteer Center services please visit www.bergenvolunteers.org.

Pictured above is Dave Hertzel, Quest employees, VC Executive Director Janet Sharma, and VIPS Director Cheryl Carroll.