History of The PIG
The Pig Tournament originated in 1980. The late Ford Waters invited some of his friends and neighbors to play golf. After playing golf Ford barbecued a pig. The ladies brought side dishes for the post-golf party, which was in the Waters’ backyard. The golfers brought their scorecards to the party and each kicked in $5.00. The top three scores shared the pot and the best of the three also received a small ceramic pig trophy.
The second tourney had a field of 48 and the late Joe Harlen chaired the event. The after-tourney social was again held at Ford’s and the Pierre Descant Cajun Band played in the Chula Place cul de sac. The first charitable contribution was made in 1981 to the American Heart Association and presented to Dr. Ochsner. The tourney became so popular that the social activities had to be moved to the Beau Chene Club in 1982. Ford continued to roast the PIG, and the group donated $4000 to the Fairhaven Children’s Home.
In 1983 the tourney became known as the Pig Invitational Charity and was recognized by the IRS as a non-profit organization (TIN #58-1828325). The monies generated by the tournament are donated to local charities and thus far over a quarter of a million dollars has been donated. The ceramic pig has become the traditional trophy.
The Board of Directors and Volunteers of the PIG donate many hours of time to ensure a successful event, and that a good time is had by all. It is also successful because of the generosity of its participants. The last four years have been our most successful, allowing us to give over $75,000 to the local charities. The silent auction, made possible from the generous donations by local individuals and businesses, generates a large portion of the funds contributed to our charities.
Our Beneficiaries
Our Beneficiaries
30 years of giving!
We are so excited with the direction that the PIG is going. As we celebrate the 30th year of we are amazed at how this organization has grown from a small neighborhood get together into one of the premier charity events on the northshore. During that time many people and many businesses have donated their time and money to make this event what it is today. Our collective efforts as a community have enabled the PIG to raise over $300,000, with $100,000 of that money coming in the past 4 years alone!
This year as we celebrate our 29th year we are very pleased to have the following charities as our core beneficiaries; The Children's Advocacy Center, The Samaritan Center of Mandeville, and Upward Community Services. These three great organizations provide so much support and service to our community and we are looking forward to making large donations to each one of them this year from the proceeds we raise during our events.
If you have participated in the past you know what to expect: A great golf tournament with plenty to eat and drink capped off by one of the best parties of the year. We know that many of you plan your charitable contributions well in advance so please help us to make this the best year ever by earmarking some funds and thinking about those foursomes now!