16th Annual Wing Ding

More than 800 attendees filled the arena, sampling delicious creations from some of the St. Louis area’s most talented restaurants. By the end of the evening, guests had enjoyed more than 15,000 wings, helping raise an impressive $83,000+ to support UCP Heartland’s mission. Those proceeds will help provide critical services and supports for more than 1,000 individuals with disabilities served throughout the St. Louis region each year.

As guests made their way through the event, they sampled signature wing creations while more than 30 local celebrity judges evaluated entries across multiple categories. The culinary creativity on display once again proved why Wing Ding remains one of the region’s most anticipated fundraising events.

At the end of the evening, attendees crowned Nowhere Food & Drink Co. as the winner of the coveted People’s Choice Award, recognizing the restaurant’s fan-favorite wings. Judges also selected winners across three competitive categories:

Traditional Wings

🥇 1st Place: Felix’s Pizza Pub
🥈 2nd Place: Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken
🥉 3rd Place: Nowhere Food & Drink Co.

Dry Rub Wings

🥇 1st Place: Felix’s Pizza Pub
🥈 2nd Place (Tie): Nowhere Food & Drink Co. & Bogart’s Smokehouse
🥉 3rd Place: Chasin’ Chicken

Specialty Wings

🥇 1st Place: Nowhere Food & Drink Co.
🥈 2nd Place: Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken
🥉 3rd Place: Felix’s Pizza Pub

Congratulations to all the participating restaurants whose creativity and culinary expertise made this year’s competition one of the most exciting yet. But as anyone who attended can tell you, Wing Ding is about much more than chicken wings.

A Celebration of Community

Throughout the evening, the energy was undeniable. Friends gathered around tasting tables, sponsors connected with community members, volunteers kept everything running smoothly, and supporters united around a shared belief that every person deserves the opportunity to thrive.

This year’s success was made possible by the support of 26 community sponsors who partnered with UCP Heartland to turn a fun night of food and friendly competition into meaningful impact for individuals and families across our region.

The event showcased the very best of what makes the St. Louis community special: generosity, inclusion, and a willingness to come together in support of a meaningful cause. From first-time attendees to longtime Wing Ding veterans, everyone played a role in making the evening memorable.

More Than a Fundraiser

For 16 years, Wing Ding has served as UCP Heartland’s signature St. Louis fundraiser, helping raise awareness and support for programs that empower children and adults with disabilities. Proceeds from the event help UCP Heartland provide the services and supports individuals need to thrive at home, at school, at work, and in their communities.

Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured, wing sampled, and volunteer hour donated contributes to opportunities that promote independence, inclusion, and quality of life for the people we serve.

That impact was front and center throughout the evening, reminding everyone in attendance that while the competition may be fierce, the true winners are the individuals and families whose lives are strengthened through UCP Heartland’s programs and services.

Thank You for Making It Possible

Events like Wing Ding simply would not happen without the incredible support of our community.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor, the 26 community sponsors, participating restaurants, celebrity judges, volunteers, and every guest who attended. Your generosity helped raise more than $83,000 to support life-changing programs for more than 1,000 people with disabilities across the St. Louis area.

We are especially grateful to the volunteers and planning committee members whose hard work behind the scenes helped create a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Looking Ahead

The 16th Annual Wing Ding once again demonstrated the power of community coming together around a common purpose. The laughter, friendly competition, and overwhelming support on display throughout the evening serve as a reminder that when we work together, we can create a more inclusive world where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

With more than 800 attendees, 15,000+ wings consumed, 26 community sponsors, and $83,000+ raised, this year’s event was one of our most successful yet. Thank you for helping make Wing Ding 2026 such a tremendous success. We are already looking forward to continuing this incredible tradition next year.

Together, we’re not just finding the best wings in St. Louis. We’re creating opportunities, building connections, and empowering every ability.