AUBURN - Nathan's Famous in Coney Island isn't the only place where competitors go to see how many hot dogs they can consume in 12 minutes.

On Sunday, Snapper's in Auburn hosted its fourth annual hot dog eating contest on the back patio, with many eager competitors, vying for the title of top dog.

“We were all here watching the contest at Nathan's on TV,” said Neta Dodson, organizer of the contest. “And we thought we could do something like that here, something different, something fun.”

And as immediately as the idea of having a hot dog eating contest hit Dodson, so too did the idea to make it an event that was fun, but also for a good cause.

Since the contest began, all the proceeds have gone to Matthew House of Auburn.

“A lot of people here (Snapper's) have had family members that have gone to Matthew House,” Dodson said. “It has touched a lot of lives. The money we raise has and always will go to Matthew House.”

Along with the people that pay $10 to compete, the fundraiser has received a great deal of support from the community.

Along with Snapper's owners Tom and Michelle Namisniak, who provide the space for the contest, as well as donating 30 pounds of hot dogs, as well as rolls and T-shirts for the winners, other organizations such as the SK Post American Legion 1324 donates $250 and the Knights of Columbus donate $100.

Steve “Moose” Kmyta, sergeant at arms for the SK Post has also been a frequent competitor, winning two years ago.

“It is a very good cause,” Kmyta said. “And I like to eat and I like to eat hot dogs, so for me this is perfect.”

Shortly after 1 p.m., the dogs were off the grill and the eating began.

Defending champion, Frank Smart, of Port Byron, was up against some serious competition this year.

Mark Poupore, a first-time competitor heard about the contest from Smart, who had polished off nine dogs last year.

“I spent the year teasing him,” said Poupore, of Weedsport. “I kept telling him you only ate nine hot dogs, giving him a hard time and then he told me it was time for the contest so I had to step up for giving him such a hard time for the last year.”

Over 12 minutes, Poupore polished off 13 hot dogs and afterward, the new winner was still hungry.

“I feel good,” Poupore said. “I'm ready for a beer now. But it was fun. It was all for a good cause, I really like that and I think it is a great thing they do here.”

The women's side also saw a new participant take the top spot.

Sharon Maker, of Auburn, came to the competition to watch her son compete, but decided she was going to participate.

“I kind of got roped into it,” Maker said. “But it is for a really good cause, so for that I was happy to eat three hot dogs.”

At the end of the day, the contest raised $1,339 for Matthew House.

“We have a lot of support,” Dodson said. “That is great to see. This is something fun, but for a really good cause and it is great to see people support that year after year.”