What is Pay the Pig? (Plus A Cool Article from Association Adviser) In 2015, Past GSAE President Lori K. Spear, CAE, staffer Wendy W. Kavanagh, CAE and Explore Charleston VP Chris Hendrix, CMP brainstormed an appropriate way to ”give back” to the Charleston community as part of our charitable activities (and to use some really fantastic ceramic pigs from a local gallery). GSAE and our members recognize the investment a community makes in hosting our Annual Meeting, and the Pay the Pig raffle was born to show our gratitude. A big hit with attendees, Pay the Pig stickers and ribbons are a mark of pride throughout the program year. The Pay the Pig Team is recognizable from a variety of pink accessories they wear during the meeting. Past Chair Gene Stinson, CAE, PCED, CEcD, HLM debuted both a Pay the Pig logo and the use of aprons during his tenure in 2018. The program has continued to flourish each year thanks to the dedication of sponsors and our sweetly persuasive GSAE volunteers. The local charitable recipient is designated by the host CVB based on their knowledge of the needs of their respective communities. Since 2015, GSAE attendees have donated over $44,000 to support local charities. Photo Album. 2023 Pay the Pig, Charleston, SC 2022 Pay the Pig, Jekyll Island, Ga
Charitable Recipient: Georgia Sea Turtle Center 2021 Pay the Pig Event, Chattanooga, TN 2021 Pay the Pig, Chattanooga, TN Charitable Recipient: Tennessee River Gorge Trust 2020 Pay the Pig, Savannah, GA Charitable Recipient: United Way of the Coastal Empire.
2019 Pay the Pig, Greenville, SC Charitable Recipient: The Frazee Dream Center - The Frazee Dream Center is a free preschool, after school and summer program for under resourced children in the downtown Greenville area. The program offers assistance and guidance to children ages 3-16 in the areas of academics, character development, sportsmanship and emotional wellness. Grand Prize Sponsors: Map D and Explore Charleston 2018 Pay the Pig, Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, FL Charitable Recipient: Sandestin Foundation for Kids - The goal of the Sandestin Foundation for Kids is to make a meaningful and positive difference in children’s lives. The Foundation will support causes or organizations which have the most impact, and to make the best, positive difference in the lives of children, including health and economic issues. Prize Sponsors: Map D and Explore Charleston, Sandestin Beach and Golf Resort, and The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. 2017 Pay the Pig, Macon, GA Charitable Recipient: Loaves and Fishes of Macon - The mission of Loaves and Fishes Ministry is "to serve and improve the quality of life of the poor and homeless." Prize Sponsors: Grand Prize Sponsors: Map D and Explore Charleston 2016 Pay the Pig, Athens, GA Charitable Recipient: Bread for Life Athens - Bread for Life provides hands-on training, instruction by industry professionals, and community support for men and women with the will to improve their lives and the desire to begin successful careers in the hospitality industry. Grand Prize Sponsors: Map D and Explore Charleston 2015 Pay the Pig, Charleston, SC Amount Donated: $2,300 Charitable Recipient: MUSC Children’s Medical Center - As a Level 1 Trauma center, our pediatric emergency department specializes in providing emergency care for any serious injury or illness your child may experience at home, at school, or at play. Working collaboratively with pediatricians throughout the community, MUSC Children’s Health also provides after-hours care to children from birth to seventeen years of age in three different locations on weeknights, weekends and holidays. Prize Sponsor: Grand Prize Sponsor: Explore Charleston |