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YouthZone busy with its pork project

Sean Johnson
Post Independent Intern
Glenwood Springs, CO Colorado

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado – Eating bacon is one thing, but kissing a pig is just plain strange – that is, unless it raises money for a good cause. One lucky individual will have the distinct pleasure of kissing a pig in the near future.

On Aug. 6, the day a pig gets kissed, YouthZone’s biggest fundraiser of the year will end, the annual Kiss-n-Squeal.

Essentially what takes place is a competition between a group of candidates to see who can raise the most money over the summer to kiss a pig.



A bunch of little fundraisers make up the overall Kiss-n-Squeal fundraiser for YouthZone. For those participating it’s a fun time to follow the pig to every event. Each dollar raised counts as one vote for that candidate, and all the money will go toward the organization’s goals and operating costs.

During YouthZone’s 33 years of service 19 have utilized the successful Kiss-n-Squeal fundraiser. The fundraiser, which is taking place throughout the summer, is extremely important this year. With the slumping economy, and funding being cut by the state, YouthZone needs the money from the fundraiser to keep their programs alive.



Executive Director Debbie Wilde is excited for the fundraiser and believes that if everyone gives a little it will go a long way. “No amount is too small, or too big,” Wilde said.

Wilde explained that the money from the fundraiser accounts for 10 percent of YouthZone’s budget. She is expecting to raise upwards of $90,000 from the Kiss-n-Squeal. Without this money the organization will have to go back to the drawing board and see what programs they would be allowed to keep. YouthZone was able to keep all their programs last year because the fundraiser helped them offset the budget cuts.

“We utilize every dollar, and we are really proud about that,” Wilde said.

Wilde enjoys the events because the whole process is something new and different for the community. The process of buying votes for the candidates is a fun way for the community to get involved and stay involved throughout the entire summer, Wilde explained. “If you’re looking for a place to get a return on your investment YouthZone is the place to do it,” Wilde said.

YouthZone is a nonprofit organization operating throughout the valley from Parachute to Aspen. This group is committed to helping young people become responsible, contributing members of society. YouthZone works with youth, parents and the community and hopes to strengthen communities through happier, healthier families and safer neighborhoods.

For more information on upcoming events go to youthzone.com.


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