Pie-Eating Contest Returns to Raise Funds for National Bone Marrow Program

by David F. Morrill | February 10, 2026

Raising money for the National Marrow Donor Program?

At William & Mary Law School, it’s as easy as pie.

Thanks to the return of the hands‑free pie‑eating contest, the Law School community raised $1,901 for the National Bone Marrow Program (NMDP). Empty pie tins meant a fierce competition.

“This number exceeded my wildest expectations,” said organizer Caitlin Vasko Brown ’26. “I am in awe of how this community rallied around this cause.”

A beloved pre‑COVID tradition, the fundraiser made its comeback on Tuesday, February 3, blending education, generosity, and plenty of good‑natured fun. Students learned about the NMDP registry, signed up as potential donors, and bid enthusiastically on contestants willing to take the pie‑eating plunge.

Vasko Brown emceed the event and, with the help of Stephen Cauthon ’26 and Angelina Han ’26, kept the bidding fast and competitive. Clad in plastic trash bags, faculty, staff members, and one student contestant, fearlessly dove into their pies as the audience cheered.

Vasko Brown emphasized how far the fundraising dollars can go:

$150 covers the typing, sampling, and storage of a new potential donor.
$1,000 can offset lost wages for someone taking time off work to save a life.
$2,000 can provide up to a month of temporary housing for a patient recovering after receiving life‑saving care.

Angelina Han and Caitlin Vasco Brown kept track of donations as the contest progressed. “With that in mind, the money we raised could help add 12 people to the registry, cover most of the lost wages for two donors, or help house a patient for almost a month,” Vasko Brown explained.

This year’s faculty pie‑eating champions were Professor Aaron Bruhl, Kelly Professor and Rita Anne Rollins Professor of Law, and Zack Outzen ’22, Assistant Director of the Puller Veterans Benefits Clinic. Students learned about the National Bone Marrow Program before the contest began.

The event wrapped up with a slapstick “pie‑in‑the‑face” finale. Eric Kades, Thomas Jefferson Professor of Law, and Sara Marshall from the Office of Career Services volunteered to be pied in exchange for extra donations.

“To the faculty, staff, and the student who participated, your participation brought so much joy, motivated donations, and made this event possible,” Vasko Brown said. “And to the faculty and staff who matched donations, you multiplied the impact of this event and expanded the reach, effectiveness, and aid these funds can provide. Your generosity was truly heartwarming.”

The pies may be gone, but the fundraising continues. Those interested in contributing can visit the Law School’s NMDP page and click the “Support Me” button to track the campaign’s progress and donate.