Now that’s a lot of smack

by The City Wire staff ([email protected]) 114 views 

On its 10th birthday, the Kiss a Pig gala broke a record.

Organizers of the American Diabetes Association fundraiser, widely known as one of the most successful benefits in Northwest Arkansas, reported earnings of $472,000 — an amount they called “stunning.” The ADA was shooting for just $305,000.

Success of the 2012 event was attributed to a dazzling performance by rocker Bret Michaels, who has Type 1 diabetes, and the hard work of the 10 candidates vying for an opportunity to kiss “Rock Star,” the pig.  All together, the community leaders-turned-fundraisers raked in $350,000. The event was aptly named “I Love the ‘80s: Totally Hawgsome.”

About 1,300 people attended, topping attendance of all other Kiss a Pig galas.