Fifth annual diabetes fundraiser
Kiss a Pig Gala returns to NWA
Antionette Grajeda
Issue date: 2/15/07 Section: Life & Style
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Community leaders are raising money for diabetes research in a competition where the winner's prize is kissing a hog.
No, it is not a UA student athlete they will kiss, but a live, squealing, four-legged pig.
The winner of the contest will pucker up on stage Saturday night at the 5th annual Kiss a Pig Gala at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center in Rogers.
The gala is a national event that raises money for the American Diabetes Association.
Kissing the pig is a way for community leaders to "show their gratitude" for the pig's role in fighting diabetes, according to the event's official Web site.
Scientists first discovered that insulin, a hormone used to treat diabetes, could be made from a pig's pancreas in the 1920s, according to the Web site.
Allison Hickey, associate director of the Northwest Arkansas division of the ADA, has helped organize this "unique event."
"It's very popular here," Hickey said. "We have one of the best galas in the nation."
During the past six weeks, 17 community leaders have been competing to collect the most money for the gala.
People in the community nominated candidates, and a nomination committee reviewed those nominated, Hickey said.
Committee members then decided who they wanted to include in the competition before sending out an official invitation to each person, she said.
This year's candidates include Mari See, Celebrate Magazine CEO; Rob Rivenburgh, vice president of Mars advertising; and Mike Smola, Starbucks district manager.
Nominees have a campaign manager who helps them raise money by finding corporate sponsors or by organizing public events, Hickey said.
Some people have poker parties, car washes and jean days to help raise money, she said.
"The Springdale head football coach is having a function this week at both Fuddruckers," Hickey said.
A percentage of everyone's bill will be donated to the event in his name.
No, it is not a UA student athlete they will kiss, but a live, squealing, four-legged pig.
The winner of the contest will pucker up on stage Saturday night at the 5th annual Kiss a Pig Gala at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center in Rogers.
The gala is a national event that raises money for the American Diabetes Association.
Kissing the pig is a way for community leaders to "show their gratitude" for the pig's role in fighting diabetes, according to the event's official Web site.
Scientists first discovered that insulin, a hormone used to treat diabetes, could be made from a pig's pancreas in the 1920s, according to the Web site.
Allison Hickey, associate director of the Northwest Arkansas division of the ADA, has helped organize this "unique event."
"It's very popular here," Hickey said. "We have one of the best galas in the nation."
During the past six weeks, 17 community leaders have been competing to collect the most money for the gala.
People in the community nominated candidates, and a nomination committee reviewed those nominated, Hickey said.
Committee members then decided who they wanted to include in the competition before sending out an official invitation to each person, she said.
This year's candidates include Mari See, Celebrate Magazine CEO; Rob Rivenburgh, vice president of Mars advertising; and Mike Smola, Starbucks district manager.
Nominees have a campaign manager who helps them raise money by finding corporate sponsors or by organizing public events, Hickey said.
Some people have poker parties, car washes and jean days to help raise money, she said.
"The Springdale head football coach is having a function this week at both Fuddruckers," Hickey said.
A percentage of everyone's bill will be donated to the event in his name.
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