TROY — Sounds of cheering and barking filled the air as people gathered outside X’s to O’s Vegan Bakery at noon on Saturday for a cupcake eating contest and pit bull kissing booth to raise money and awareness for Out of the Pits, an organization that provides education, spay and neuter services and rescue operations for pit bull dogs.

Approximately 50 onlookers crowded the sidewalk on the corner of Fourth and State streets and watched as Dan Brotherhood, 28, of Schenectady ate nine and a half cupcakes in five minutes to take the top prize.

Jennifer Keal, 20, of Schenectady took a close second place prize, eating nine cupcakes.

“I actually feel like I could eat more,” said Keal. “It was just the fact that we had to do it in so little time.” Contestants were given cups of water to help wash down the cupcakes, but some contestants, like Keal, dipped the cupcakes in the water to get them down faster.

“It was pretty gross,” Keal said.

Contestants in the contest each donated or received pledges of at least $10. Sarah Preston, owner of the bakery, said the event raised a total of $1500 for the organization.

The kissing booth was also a big hit, with certified therapy dogs, all pit bulls, taking turns offering “kisses” to passersby in an effort to demonstrate the gentle nature of the breed.

“What we know about these dogs is the fact that they’re not at all what has been created by society,” said Kathleen Pierce, the owner Piggly Wiggly, one of the therapy dogs offering kisses at the event. “What we’re trying to do is to redefine who they are more accurately.”

Cydney Cross, president of Out of the Pits, said that the organization has provided free spaying and neutering to 120 pit bulls since August through the Fix-A-Bull program, and helped rescue and re-home two dogs involved in the Michael Vick animal abuse case. Cross said the number one goal of the organization is to educate the public about the breed, and feels that this event did just that.

“We’re very excited about the turnout, and we’re very excited about the people that are asking questions,” Cross said. “It’s very important that people understand the true nature of the American pit bull terrier. It is important for people to know that they are a people-loving breed under all circumstances.”

Preston said that she was more than happy to be involved in the event.

“I especially thought it was important for Troy,” she said. “I’ve seen a lot of people that own pit bulls in this area, and I do know that, especially in New York state, there’s a lot of dog fighting rings, and I just felt that we needed to get the word out about how amazing and loving pit bulls are.”

For those interested in learning more about Out of the Pits or the Fix-A-Bull program, visit www.outofthepits.org or contact the Troy office at 763-3647.

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