What do farm animals, fundraising and financial literacy resources have in common? They all add up to create a fun way to help three local elementary schools.

Trumark Financial Credit Union hosted its first annual “Kiss a Pig” fundraiser on September 21st at the Piazza at Schmidt’s. The fundraiser brought together 17 business and community leaders, professionals and teachers competing for the privilege to kiss a pig. Over the past two months, participants have raised over $15,000 to help benefit inner-city schools unable to afford financial literacy resources.

“This fundraiser is a good idea because of the city’s budget cuts,” said Randi Marmer, Assistant Vice President of Community Relations at Trumark Financial. “It’s a great way to do something to help the schools out and raise money to help them purchase personal finance materials.”

One of the participants in the event was Annamae Law, Community Liaison Officer for the 26th Police District. Law helped to raise $2,700 for the fundraiser.

“My goal was to raise as much as I could,” said Law. “I went to friends and family, different business owners I knew through my district and The Spirit newspaper to raise money. Everybody I went to personally accepted me and thought it was a funny idea.”

Altogether, the event raised nearly $17,000 to support Robert Morris Elementary School, John F. Reynolds Elementary and McKinley Elementary. Donations are still coming in.

“I’m a pet lover, mainly dogs, so I was excited to kiss the pig,” commented Law. “I also heard that pigs are supposed to be one of the cleanest animals, so I’m not too worried.”

The pig receiving all of the action at the event was four-month old Bubbles, from Ross Mill Farms in Bucks County. It was Bubble’s first kissing event, and according to her supervisor, she did fabulously.

The Kiss a Pig event was emceed by Andie Summers, otherwise known as “Crockett” of 92.5 WXTU FM. Special guests included Action News anchor, Alicia Vitarelli.

According to Law, the event also fell on the same day as International Peace Day.

“International Peace Day is when the police force reaches out to different organizations, including libraries, schools and businesses, to help promote peace throughout the city,” Law said.

Since she was the one to raise the most money out of the 17 participants, Law received special recognition at the event along with a trophy.

Even though Law thought kissing a pig was great, her husband, Dennis, had another opinion.

“She has to bathe before she gets home,” he joked.

If you want to donate to the Kiss a Pig fundraiser, donations are still being accepted. You can find more information on Facebook’s Kiss a Pig page.