'Kiss a Pig,' 'Pass the Bacon' Fundraisers Support Heart Association
Tue, 08/17/2010 - 01:30pm | By: David Tisdale
Swine may not be so divine to the winner of a pig kissing contest at The University of Southern Mississippi, but the cause is worthy.
In support of this year's annual Start! Heart Walk, set for Saturday, Sept. 25 at the university's Pride Field, members of the university community will choose a campus celebrity in the “Kiss a Pig” fundraiser beginning Tuesday, Sept. 7 with the winner kissing a live pig Friday, Sept. 17 before the Golden Eagles' home football game against the University of Kansas. All proceeds benefit the American Heart Association.
Celebrity contestants for the Kiss a Pig contest include Southern Miss President Martha Saunders; Provost Bob Lyman; Vice President for Student Affairs Joe Paul; University Police Chief Bob Hopkins; and Vice President for Advancement Bob Pierce. The competition culminates on Century Lawn where the winner will kiss the pig prior to Eagle Walk.
Votes can be made by putting monetary donations in jars representing the contestants, which will be placed at the Payne Center; R.C. Cook University Union lobby; Fresh Food Company; Cook Library plaza; and Shoemaker Square. The celebrity contestant with the largest donation total wins.
"The American Heart Walk has become a big event at Southern Miss,” Paul said. “Though bacon is not heart healthy, I'm a fan and for this great cause if selected, I will gladly kiss the pig."
Another way the campus community can support Start! Heart Walk and the American Heart Association is the “Pass the Bacon” contest, which begins today, Aug. 17 through Sept. 17. Held in conjunction with the “Kiss a Pig” contest, faculty and staff will pass decorated pigs to offices across campus with the goal of raising funds for the Heart Walk. When the faculty/staff member has paid $5 to have the pig removed from their desk, their name will be placed in a drawing for prizes.
For more information, contact your Heart Walk team captain for details, or contact Patricia Linton at 601.266.5767.