The OUWB Pediatric Interest Group (PIG) raised more than $3,600 via events leading up to and including its 2023 PIG Roast — the annual fundraiser to benefit Care House of Oakland County.
Over the years, the popular annual event has raised a total of more than $25,000 for Care House — the nonprofit that serves as the county’s only children’s advocacy center that aims to assist victims of child abuse.
The PIG Roast is the culmination of months of hard work and dedication on the part of students, staff, faculty, and members of the community who make it all possible, said Kristin Sarsfield, M2, PIG Roast coordinator.
“Whether it’s friends getting together and hosting a watch party or taking a study break to get pizza in support of the Roast, we are so appreciative of everyone’s efforts,” she said. “It is an incredible privilege to facilitate our community coming together to benefit a cause as amazing as CARE House of Oakland County.”
The planning for the event began at the beginning of the year by 15 students.
The smaller events leading up to the PIG Roast included the restaurant fundraising week and the Pie-A-PIG event. Other means of raising money included donations and ticket sales for the roast.
During the restaurant fundraising week in February, $145.78 was raised by OUWB students and affiliates dining out at Panera Bread, Oberweis, and Blaze Pizza. A percentage of the sales were donated.
At the Pie-A-PIG event on March 7, $262 was raised. Students paid $3 each for the opportunity to hit one of their peers or a faculty member in the face with a plate of whipped cream.
During the virtual PIG Roast, several videos were shown, featuring students and faculty in various skits, such as “MSG Mean Tweets 2023.” Concurrently, a silent auction was held for various items, including gift baskets, signed photographs from the Detroit Red Wings, free yoga classes, and more.
Chad Ozias, director of Philanthropy, Care House, spoke during the event and expressed gratitude for the PIG Roast, which he said has raised “well over $25,000” over the years.
“It’s such a big help for Care House and we definitely look forward to it every year,” he said. “We’re able to provide all of the services that we do at no cost thanks to events like this, and people like you…it gives us opportunities to do more, and help more kids.”
Sarsfield said that coordinating the event showed her the true character of the OUWB community.
“My largest takeaway…is how spectacular the OUWB community truly is…. seeing everyone come together to support our cause was phenomenal,” she said.
“It was quite an honor to facilitate this event and to benefit CARE House, an organization that serves families that live, work, and play directly in our community.”
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