Ten locals are competing for the chance to kiss a pig on Friday, Oct. 9, in support of READ Lakeland and free adult literacy programs in Polk County.
More than a quarter of adults in Polk, 27%, do not have the basic literacy skills needed to hold most jobs involving written instructions, according to the United Community Indicators.
Founded in 1995, READ Lakeland provides free tutoring in basic reading, writing, math, and technology skills to adult learners in the Lakeland, Bartow, and Mulberry communities.
Each year, the organization hosts Kiss the Pig to support its adult literacy efforts. Candidates collect donations, with each $1 equaling one vote, and the winner gets to kiss a real live pig at the organization’s Grand Smooch Finale.
Campaigns are still accepting donations.
Tickets to the Grand Smooch Finale are $75. The event, at 5:30 p.m on Friday, Oct. 9, at the Elks Lodge 1291, includes dinner from Jimbo’s BBQ, beer and wine, live music by the Daniel Burns Band, raffles, and other prizes. It culminates with the main event when this year’s top fundraiser will literally kiss a pig.
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