Pigging out: Swine Ball to support American Cancer Society
by Margaret Hurlbert
March 10, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa–Rather than hold a black tie event with fancy clothing and stuffy formalities, the Muscatine County chapter of the American Cancer Society plans to host another evening of good old-fashioned silly fun at their Swine Ball, appropriately set for April 1 at the Rendezvous (3127 Lucas Street in Muscatine) starting at 6 p.m. A wacky way to support the American Cancer Society’s efforts both to help individuals with the disease and fund lifesaving research, organizers hope to pack the place for a second year in a row.

After several years of holding traditional Relay for Life events, organizers wanted to change things up a little and revive the Swine Ball. Their 2022 event met with great success, with approximately 125 people attending and raising $19,500 for the American Cancer Society. Pleased with this success, the event has returned bigger and better than ever in the larger space provided by the Rendezvous.

To get in the spirit of the night, organizers encourage guests to wear their zaniest attire, with those in the takiest threads winning the titles of king and queen. A night full of games, attendees can compete in a hog calling contest, play snouts and tails, and test their knowledge in pig trivia. The night’s fun fashion will get plenty of attention with a paparazzi photo runway event and a photobooth available all evening long. A silent auction and 50/50 drawing will give guests the chance to go home with something truly nice. Music provided by D.J. Drew Minder will set just the right tone. Signature drinks available at the cash bar will provide refreshment from all the evening’s activities.

Graphic courtesy the Muscatine County chapter of the American Cancer Society.

A hoot of a fundraiser, all of the money raised will go to benefit the American Cancer Society’s work locally. This includes providing rides to treatment and stays at the Hope Lodge in Iowa City for any local cancer patients that need them as well as research into cancer prevention and treatment going on at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics right now. As Ed Chamberlin, one of the Swine Ball organizers, observed, “this is really a great opportunity to support the American Cancer Society.” After the popularity of last year’s Swine Ball, organizers hope to raise at least $25,000 this year.

If you would like to reserve your spot at the funniest fundraiser of the year, you may order tickets for $30 a piece or $200 for a table of eight either online or by texting 563-260-1135. Alternately, you may purchase tickets at the door for $35 each.

Because cancer affects so many people in Muscatine County each year, either personally, in a family member or friend they care for, or in their wider social circles, Chamberlin would like to see many people unite both to have fun and to make a real difference in the fight against cancer. “This truly is a great event,” he said: “There isn’t a person who hasn’t been personally touched by cancer. This is a fun evening to celebrate and remember our friends and family who have experienced this disease.”

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