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(Photo courtesy Tara Muntain)
Telemiracle fundraiser

Pizza Eating Contest held by Melfort’s TJ’s Pizza raises over $4,100 for Telemiracle

Jan 28, 2026 | 10:50 AM

After a COVID-related hiatus, TJ’s Pizza in Melfort once again hosted its Pizza Eating Contest for Telemiracle on Tuesday.

The ninth annual contest saw 11 competitors trying to tackle and extra-large double-decker pepperoni pizza in 10 minutes or less.

This year’s champion was Garth Turner, who finished the pie in seven minutes, 47 seconds.

Second place went to Chris Crews, who had just nine ounces left on his plate, and Morgan Leah took home third place. Crews also received an extra award for raising the most funds.

(TJ’s PIzza/Facebook)

“It was overwhelming,” TJ’s owner Lloyd Muntain told northeastNOW. “Now that there’s some normalcy in our society [post-pandemic], we decided to bring [the contest] back and was overwhelming. It was well-received, well talked about, and the outcome was great.”

The event was held at the Melfort Legion, and Muntain said the venue was full of spectators.

The contest brought in over $4,100, with more money still being donated. All proceeds go to Telemiracle 50.

(Photo courtesy Tara Muntain)

“It was them, the contestants, that raised the money. It wasn’t us at TJ’s,” Muntain said. “It was the contestants that worked hard and got the donations brought in, so our hats are off to them.”

Owners Lloyd and Tara Muntain said interest in the event came from across the region, including a father-son team from Prince Albert participating, and Tisdale residents dropping off donations.

(Photo courtesy Tara Muntain)

“The Melfort Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs and Melfort Legion were great supporters in helping us out,” the Muntains said. “When you get that warm feeling in your heart, you just have to keep bringing it back to the community next year.”

cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com