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Pork Fest 2001

The Second Annual Kiss-a-Pig Kick-Off

A A A Comments (0) By Dan Sweeney Thursday, Sep 20 2001

You'd think this sort of event would be illegal. Aren't there laws against bestiality? And if so, don't they cover smoochin' a swine? One would like to think so. However, this shindig raises money for charity, so perhaps those pigs of a different nature will turn a blind eye.

Mark Poutenis

Pucker up, baby

Details

Thursday, September 20, from 11 am to noon. Admission is free. Call 561-689-2746.

Shops at Boca Center, 5150 Town Center Cir., Boca Raton

More About

The Second Annual Kiss-a-Pig Kick-Off begins Thursday, September 20, at the Shops at Boca Center, when would-be pig-bussers from across South Florida begin a fast-paced fundraising campaign to gain the honor of puckering up to a porker. But perhaps we're getting ahead of ourselves.

Wherefore all this piggery?

It's all about diabetes. Before 1921 no medication existed for the disease. People often died within six weeks of being diagnosed. But today we have insulin. While insulin is no cure, many who suffer from diabetes must inject it daily to survive. And pigs were the original source of injectable insulin; for this reason the American Diabetes Association began this fundraising event.

The kickoff this Thursday introduces the contest, competitors, and sponsors to the public. Each candidate and his or her team must arrive with placards, costumes, various themes, noisemakers, and all the other accouterments that go into a successful rally. Among the contestants and teams are Bob Gittlin of JKG Printing, diabetes specialist Dr. Frank Lavernia, J.C. Perrin of Wachovia, Chief Randy Sheppard of Palm Beach County Fire and Rescue, Bill Watkins of Bristol-Meyers Squibb, community leader Joan Weidenfeld, and members of the West Boca Medical Center.

During the next four weeks, these candidates and their sponsors will raise funds for diabetes research, education, children's camps, programs, and advocacy. Whichever team raises the most money at the end of the allotted time earns the esteemed honor of oinker osculation. So get ready to meet these folks and maybe break out your checkbook for a good cause; you'll thank yourself later, when the aspirant you back sidles up to his or her sow.