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January 24, 2005
 
WV Lions to Host KISS A PIG Fundraiser for Diabetes
 
by HNN Staff
 
Charleston (HNN) — The American Diabetes Association (ADA) along with the Charleston Gold Dome Lions Club is hosting the 6th Annual KISS A PIG (KAP) FUNdraising event to raise research dollars for a cure for diabetes and dollars for the Lions Club charities and projects. This event is a fundraiser for diabetes and is a great way to let people know about diabetes awareness and support the Lions' Diabetes Program. The KAP Kick-Off will be at noon Charleston Town Center Mall Feb. 15, 2005 at noon. The KAP Kiss-Off will coincide with American Diabetes Alert Day on March 22, 2005 at the same location and time.
 
Why a pig? Glad you asked!
 
Diabetes refers to a condition in which the body cannot produce or properly use insulin that makes normal use of sugar. In 1921, researchers found that by using insulin from the pancreas of a pig, patients could be treated. Until then, there was no treatment for this disease, and people diagnosed with diabetes died within six weeks. Today, most insulin is manufactured however candidates in this event still show their appreciation to the pig for helping save lives!
 
Diabetes impacts the lives of over 180,000 West Virginians and at least another 800,000 are at high risk for developing diabetes. Everyone knows someone who has diabetes.
 
The Lions and the ADA are recruiting local candidates who will campaign to solicit the most votes for their campaign. Each dollar donation counts as a vote. Whoever garners the most votes gets the honor of kissing the pig. So far, committed candidates include Jim McMillon of the Gold Dome Lions Club and Brad Morgan of the Cross Lanes Lions Club. Local business and community leaders are being recruited to be KAP candidates. For this event, each candidate embarks on an aggressive vote-getting effort on behalf of the (ADA) and the Charleston Gold Dome Lions Club. Each "vote" represents a one-dollar contribution via the candidates' solicitation. The candidate garnering the most "votes" wins the honor of kissing the esteemed pig. Jim McMillon has participated four years in this event and is once more a candidate for the KAP event. He claims this to be "his year to pucker for the porker" and claims that "the fifth time is the charm." Brad Morgan plans to be a strong competitor and looks forward to seeing many more candidates participate.
 
Last year Steve Bishop and Jenny Murray from V100 were the proud winners, raising more than 5,000 votes/dollars. This year, Lion Brad Morgan of the Cross Lanes Lions Club is joining the competition. He is the Lions' District 29-O Diabetes Chair, has published several articles in the district newsletter and has helped organize diabetes support groups in several areas. He has observed past KAP events and is planning to win this year's pig-kissing honor by "planting one on a (real live) pig."
 
"We are always trying to create new and exciting ways for the community to become involved in helping us achieve our mission-to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes," said Roberta Duffer, ADA Senior Marketing Director. "Our KAP program is a wonderful partnership between the ADA and our local Lions Club."
 
Lions Clubs in West Virginia and all over the world heavily concentrate on projects to help the blind and visually impaired. McMillon said, "We as Lions members are aware of the problems that diabetes can cause on sight and we are pleased to embrace a project that will help make everyone aware of diabetes and its potential complications. We hope everyone will support this project and ROOT for their candidates who will HAM it up to bring home the BACON."
 
McMillon, diagnosed in 2000 to have diabetes, says he really wants to kiss the live, oinking, squealing pig at the "Kiss-Off" planned for Tuesday, March 22, 2005 (which is American Diabetes Alert Day). That's when the winner will be announced. He is asking all Lions and Clubs and West Virginians everywhere to support the candidate of their choice by mailing tax deductible donations/votes (checks payable to the American Diabetes Association) to the ADA at 1221-A Ohio Ave., Dunbar, WV 25064. Mark in the notes section of the check that the donation is for "(candidate name) to Kiss A Pig."
 
He went on to say, "We are looking for more Kiss a Pig candidates. The more candidates we recruit the bigger the event, the more fun we have and the more dollars we raise for a good cause." Contact Roberta Duffer at 768-2596 or Jim McMillon at 344-3355 to become a candidate or for more information on the event. If you would like information on diabetes, please call the American Diabetes Association at 304-768-2596 or 1-888-342-2383 or visit the website at www.diabetes.org.
 
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