|Photo by Joselyn King| Cameron Mitchell, owner of Euphoric Doughnuts in East Wheeling, celebrates after taking the top prize and winning $10,000 at the "Show of Hands" competition Wednesday night sponsored by Wheeling Heritage.

WHEELING – Cameron Mitchell now has a $10,000 inspiration to get up and make the doughnuts.

Mitchell, owner of Euphoric Doughnuts, took home the top prize at the “Show of Hands” competition Wednesday night at the Wheeling Artisan Center.

It is the 10th year that Wheeling Heritage has organized the business presentation event, with Orrick being its major corporate sponsor. To mark the occasion, Orrick contributed funds to make the prize Wednesday night an even $10,000.

Mitchell expects to open a brick-and-mortar location for Euphoric Doughnuts on Feb. 26 at 167 16th St. in East Wheeling – the location of the former Keg and Kraut restaurant and Biggy’s Pizza.

He plans to use the money to include a drive-through window at the business.

“It really means a lot to me,” Mitchell said. “I’m super-excited to open those doors, and just seeing what Euphoric evolves into here in Wheeling.”

Euphoric Donuts already has an established fan base, as Mitchell already has been marketing his doughnuts at Table 304 and other locations in the area.

So far, the Biscoff donut is the most popular offering, he said. It is a cookie butter donut filled with a pastry creme. The raspberry cheesecake donut also is becoming a favorite, he added.

Mitchell, an Ohio State graduate, told the crowd he is “a computer engineer by trade and a doughnut architect by passion.”

“It’s interesting, because a lot of things I do as an engineer transfer seamlessly into my doughnut making,” he explained. “Engineering taught me about structure, about detail and innovation. All of that transfers to making the perfect doughnut.”

Doughnut making combines the engineering of “smiles, tastes and textures,” according to Mitchell.

Three of the four presenters at Show of Hands Wednesday night were providers of food.

In addition to Euphoric doughnuts, The Belgian Waffle Shop in downtown Wheeling and Hangover BBQ made presentations.

All three provided samples of their food during the event.

The fourth presenter was The Process, a private practice offering mental health services at 1600 National Road.

Those attending pay $5 to attend the event, which includes dinner and a ballot upon which to vote for the best business presentation.

At the end, the winner takes home the money provided by Orrick and other sponsors, as well as all money collected at the door.

Alex Panas, project director for Wheeling Heritage, announced that over the past 10 years more than $123,000 in prizes have been awarded to Show of Hands winners.