The Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom again partnered with the icare EAT-A-THON to raise funds for local charities and community organizations.
 
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 14th annual edition of the EAT-A-THON was contested virtually on Zoom with 14 nonprofit organizations participating. Each of those nonprofit organizations received $1,000 for their participation as part of the $14,000 icare raised for the event. 
 
icare was founded in 2005 by Drake Law Students with the simple goal of making a difference by inspiring other Iowans and Iowa nonprofits to raise money through the EAT-A-THON to perform their charitable work. icare remains an intentionally small 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs 100 percent on volunteer time and funds all overhead expenses through sponsorships and director contributions.
 
"The new EAT-A-THON tradition at the Relays is a testament to the vast reach of the Drake Relays presented by Xtream," said Blake Boldon, the Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays. "The leadership at icare has done a terrific job of expanding this event and thoughtfully supporting the local not-for-profit community."
 
In previous EAT-A-THONS, each nonprofit raises money by enlisting a team of four eaters to secure per ounce or flat pledges of money from donors to encourage them to eat as much of Jethro's 80-ounce (five-pound) Adam Emmenecker sandwich in sixteen minutes as they can. Last year's event raised nearly $70,000 for local nonprofits and this year's event was on track to raise over $100,000.
 
The EAT-A-THON was scheduled to take place April 25 but was moved to the virtual experience with more than 50 participants. While the postponement of the in-person EAT-A-THON also postponed fundraising, icare responded by providing each nonprofit with $1,000 to help ease the financial burden that nearly all organizations are currently experiencing. 
 
"When times are tough, community is especially important," said Kirk Schuler, one of the founders of icare. "That's what this event and its partnership with the Drake Relays is all about.  It was a pleasure to host a taste of this event online to bring the nonprofit community together with the Relays in support of each other.  Along with all the nonprofits, we're looking forward to the main course at the next Relays."
 
Participating nonprofit organizations included Eat Greater Des Moines, Kick It Forward, Orchard Place, Polk County Bar Association's Volunteer Lawyer's Project, Griff Gives Back for the Pet Project Midwest, Junior League of Des Moines, Dorothy's House, Spina Bifida Association of Iowa, Please Pass The Love, Bulldog Club, Meals From The Heartland, Self Help International, Booster Pak and Average Everyday Miracles.