MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., June 25, 2015 — Croissants Bistro & Bakery’s 4th Annual Cupcake Eating Contest is teaming up with the Reggie Sanders Foundation to fight Autism on Saturday, July 4, 2015 from 2-5pm.

“There are other eating competitions around the United States but they are not sweet,” Heidi Vokov owner of Croissants said.

This July 4th the perfect patriotic picture is all about cupcakes. Lots and lots of cupcakes.

“They have to eat the entire cupcake,” Vokov said. “The cupcake will be the entire thing including icing. If they don’t eat the entire thing then that cupcake is not counted into the total.”

The event will be held at Croissants Bistro & Bakery Saturday, July 4 from 2-5 p.m. Contestants have five minutes to eat as many cupcakes as they can beginning at 4 p.m. In 2014, over 1,500 cupcakes were prepared and over 1,000 consumed. Two contestants, Chris Chagnon and Robbie Bryant, tied for 2nd place each consuming 23 cupcakes. First place was awarded to William Flynn who devoured 24 cupcakes and was named Myrtle Beach’s “2014 Cupcake Champion”. This year’s Champion will be awarded with a trophy, medal and $500 cash. Second & Third Place will receive a medal and tickets to Myrtle Beach area attractions, restaurants and retail stores as well as an Ocean Front Vacation Package, all valued close to $1500.

“My stratagy would be just to have fun,” former MLB star Reggie Sanders said. “I have no strategy when it comes to eating cupcakes.”

Sanders will be on hand as part of the event. His charity “The Reggie Sanders Foundation has teamed up with Croissants and the contest to help raise money and awareness in the fight against autism.

“Early detection is where it is,” Sanders said. “If we can early identify the kids that are on the spectrum then we can do the best job to empower the parent as well as empower the child as well.”

Admission to the 4th of July event is free and will feature a wide variety of entertainment options, including: live music by The Harvest, face painting and kid’s cupcake decorating. Carnival games, a dunking booth, pony rides, hot dogs, hamburgers, beer and other beverages will be available for purchase. A silent auction containing rare sports memorabilia and a 50/50 Raffle will also take place in an attempt to generate additional funds. Proceeds will benefit the Reggie Sanders Foundation.

“Croissants’ Cupcake Eating Contest has become a great community event for Myrtle Beach. I am so excited to team up with the Reggie Sanders this year in an effort to raise money and build awareness about autism and the Reggie Sanders Foundation,” said Vukov.

The event will culminate with the big reveal: Reggie Sanders will announce the highly anticipated 3 Day All-Star Experience winner at 4:30pm. The winner will spend a weekend “Sanders’-Style” including a 5-Star Hotel Stay , Private Culinary Class & Dinner with Chef Nobuo, James Beard Award Winner at Nobuo Teeter House, Driving at the Acclaimed Bondurant Racing School, VIP Attendance to Diamondbacks game and the MLB’s Jersey Retirement of Four-time Cy Young Award Winner “The Big Unit,” #51 Randy Johnson as the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Cincinnati Reds & will have VIP seating with Reggie Sanders at the Arizona Diamondbacks Alumni Game on Sunday, August 9th, 2015.

Reggie Sanders, a native of Florence, South Carolina is a globally celebrated athlete in his own right, being one of only eight players named to MLB’s 300-300 Club and a Recipient of the Prestigious Roberto Clemente Club Award; Reggie Sanders is all too familiar with the widespread impact that sports can make in communities working together for a common goal. It is his background as the older brother of Demetrius Sanders, diagnosed with Autism at the age of three, his faith, research and experience with countless of thousands of experts around the globe that has returned this Baseball Champion home to MYRTLE BEACH, South Carolina to further the Foundation’s mission & vision. Croissants Bistro & Bakery is proud to support his efforts as he continues to give back to the community by focusing on bringing awareness and action to Autism.