SAL1 Charleston Dirty Birds

Kiss-A-Pig Comes to Appalachian Power Park

Published on July 2, 2012 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston Dirty Birds News Release


Charleston, WV - The West Virginia Power, in conjunction with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the Charleston Gold Dome Lions Club, will host the 13th Annual Kiss-A-Pig Event at Appalachian Power Park on Friday, August 31st.

Kiss-A-Pig is an annual event that is unique and entertaining while delivering a serious message. Its purpose is to increase public awareness about diabetes, the Charleston Gold Dome Lions Club and JDRF, to encourage prompt diagnosis and proper treatment of diabetes, and to raise funds to support research, education, services and advocacy programs to find a cure for diabetes. Since the pig was the first source of insulin in 1921, the JDRF and Gold Dome Lions recognize the pig for its contribution (its pancreas) to diabetics and love it enough to hold a contest to kiss it.

Lions Clubs in West Virginia and all over the world heavily concentrate on projects to help the blind and visually impaired. Jim McMillon, President of the Charleston Gold Dome Lions Club and a diabetic himself, stated that, "We as Lions members are aware of the problems that diabetes can cause on sight and we are pleased to embrace a project that will help make everyone aware of diabetes and its potential complications. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness."

Local business and community leaders are recruited as candidates, with each candidate embarking on an aggressive "vote-getting" campaign. Each "vote" represents a one dollar contribution to the Kiss-A-Pig (KAP) Program. The candidate garnering the most "votes" wins the honor of kissing the pig at Appalachian Power Park on August 31st.

During the game on the 31st the top fundraiser will be announced and have the honor of kissing a pig during a half inning break. Additional activities that night include a silent auction and 50/50 raffle to benefit the JDRF, as well as post-game fireworks.

"The KAP program is a fun and exciting way for the community to become involved in helping us achieve our mission," said Tammy Owen, President of the West Virginia Branch of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International. "We are excited about the support we are getting from the West Virginia Power and so many others willing to promote this project. We appreciate all that the community has done to help this campaign be a success in the past."

The fundraising for Kiss-A-Pig begins July 13th and runs through August 31st. Several candidates have already joined the 2012 competition. They are:

Kate Long - writer for the Charleston Gazette and author of "The Shape We're In" series

Wendy Peters of Poca High School

Dr. Lynn Frye - Supervising Veterinarian/Owner of Gateway Animal Hospital in St. Albans

Sara Jarvis, Psy.D.

C. Ed Childers, Jr. MD - a pediatrician from South Charleston, WV

Mike Agnello - 58WCHS Radio Host

Ashley SmithWCHS/WVAH-TV Weather Person

There are several ways to participate in Kiss-A-Pig. You can recruit a candidate, get your child's school involved, work with the school nurse/school counselor to recruit involvement from Type 1 children and their families, recruit sponsors, donate, or even provide a pig. If you would like to participate in the 2012 Kiss-A-Pig event contact one of the three people listed below.

Tammy Owen tjo@goodwingoodwin.com 304-549-9181

Jim McMillon wvmcmillon@suddenlink.net 304-965-2187

Lori Haapala lorihaapala@yahoo.com 304-965-3862

For more information about the Kiss-A-Pig event, contact Tammy, Jim or Lori. For tickets to the event on the 31st at Appalachian Power Park call 304-344-BATS or visit wvpower.com. You can also purchase your tickets through Tammy, Jim or Lori and half of your ticket sale will benefit Kiss-A-Pig.

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South Atlantic League Stories from July 2, 2012


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