THUNDER BAY – The second-annual Novemburger campaign was a lip-smacking success for the United Way of Thunder Bay.
The event, which saw participating restaurants cook up a specialty burger of their own and donate a portion of their proceeds to the cause, raised a total of $18,267 for the United Way, much needed money in a campaign feeling the effects of COVID-19.
Leading the way was Beefcake’s Burger Factory, quickly becoming an iconic eatery in Current River, which sold 637 Novemburgers and was named Novemburger of the Year. The Prospector Burger Barn sold the most burgers, with 2,135.
Beefcake's Burger Factory owner Derek Lankinen and his staff came up with a two-patty offering that featured maple smoked aged cheddar, house-made pineapple zucchini relish, tomato, prosciutto chips and onion chutney with pineapple habanero Heartbeat Hot Sauce.
They sold a total of 637 over the course of last month, resulting in $1,274 in donations to the United Way.
“The Beefcake’s team is grateful to be a part of the food community in Thunder Bay and appreciates how the city has rallied around locally-owned restaurants in 2020. Events like Novemburger, helps to stir up creativity in the culinary scene, raises much-needed funding, and brings about some friendly competition, which we all love,” Lankinen said in a release.
“The United Way of Thunder Bay made it as easy as possible so several restaurants could get involved and we are very happy that so many people enjoyed Beefcake’s take on the 2020 Novemburger.”
Other participants included Apple Chipotle’s, Bight Restaurant and Bar, Bonobos, Daytona’s, Java Hut, Mario’s Bowl, Neebing Roadhouse, Prospector Burger Barn, Red Lion Smokehouse, The Eddy, The Foundry, The Sal and The Silver Birch.
“The 2020 Novemburger event generated some sizzling competition, delicious burgers and an amazing funding contribution to United Way of Thunder Bay,” said Erika Mikkola, United Way of Thunder Bay’s special events co-ordinator.
“United Way of Thunder Bay would like to thank all participating restaurants and the community for making this challenge an absolute success and supporting our local eateries. A special shout out also goes out to the 2020 Novemburger amabassadors who helped us raise awareness and took us for virtual taste tests as they tried all of the burgers.”
Kelly Gallagher, United Way of Thunder Bay board president, said the money couldn’t come at a better time.
“United Way of Thunder Bay understands the on-going effects of the pandemic, and that they will remain long after immediate needs are met. By supporting the recovery process, you are helping critical efforts to get Thunder Bay back on its feet. Thunder Bay cannot do this alone; we have to recover together as a community,” Gallagher said.
