What are free hot dogs worth?

If you give enough away, they're worth $18,595.

That's how much Jill Becker with the Hawai'i Chapter of the American Red Cross says was raised over the Labor Day weekend by Alan Muschek and a group of former Waikiki Broiler employees.

The volunteer crew and Muschek, who owns a refrigeration business, set up a booth and a "Free Hot Dogs" sign near the entrance of the Wal-Mart store in Mililani.

Folks stepping up for a free hot dog spotted the Red Cross disaster relief buckets on the counter and opened up their wallets.

The novel idea netted a bigger bundle than anyone would have suspected.

"It's better than selling hot dogs," Muschek said. "You get more money this way."

Muschek and other vendors donated the food and equipment.

Hot dog event nets $18,595

Reach Will Hoover at whoover@honoluluadvertiser.com.