from staff
Learn to Read Jacksonville has officially started its biggest fundraiser of the year, the Kiss the Pig for Literacy Campaign.
In its 15th year, Kiss the Pig has raised crucial funds to support and continue Learn to Read’s free adult literacy services. Since 1993, over 130 prominent community and business leaders have volunteered to campaign to solicit votes in order to kiss a pig for the cause of literacy on the First Coast.
This year’s contestants include an elected official, a mascot and several others. They will kiss “Yoda” the same pig as last year’s contestants.
Candidates have committed to raise funds through business and personal contacts where $1 equals one vote. The participant who solicits the most votes wins the right to kiss a pig in front of a live audience at a May 4 Jacksonville Suns game.
This year, Learn to Read has increased its financial goal to raise $75,000 for its programs. The 2008 Kiss the Pig for Literacy candidates include:
• Walt Bussells — retired CEO, JEA
• Jerry Croan — Croan Counseling & Mediation
• Sam Dean — director of plant operations, Baptist Medical Center
• Jaxson De Ville — mascot, Jacksonville Jaguars
• Terry Fields — State Rep. District 14
• Nat Glover — former sheriff and currently special advisor to University of North Florida President John Delaney
• Joe Paradise — partner, KPMG
• Lisa Rountree — co-owner, “Tree”-Mendous BBQ & Catering
• Darnell Smith — group vice president, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
• Brian Stangle — CFO, Drummond Press
The event officially started last week when the 2008 candidates were introduced and announced their plans to become first in line to kiss the pig.
Voting is simple: contact one of the candidates, mail in a check to Learn to Read, Inc. with the candidate’s name, or visit www.ltrjax.org to donate (make sure you list the candidate’s name in the designation field). All proceeds of $25 and above will be recognized with a tax letter from Learn to Read, Inc.
For more information about Learn to Read’s programs, services, volunteer opportunities or special events, please call 399-8894 or visit the Web site at www.ltrjax.org.