Better Piggies Rescue is teaming up with Green Vegetarian and Nami for a two-month fundraiser that comes with frozen treats, famous-pig trivia, original art and, naturally, plenty of snorts.
Running through September, the collaboration will help support the food, shelter, veterinary care and everyday needs of more than 215 rescued pigs living at the Phoenix sanctuary.
There are plenty of ways to join in, whether that means ordering dessert, brushing up on pop culture, bidding on a pig-created masterpiece or rolling up a sleeve for a community blood drive.
“This is such a fun way for people to support the rescue,” says Danielle Betterman, founder and director of Better Piggies Rescue. “They can grab something good to eat, have a few laughs and learn more about just how smart and full of personality pigs really are. Every tSoyNami, ticket and auction bid helps us care for the animals who call the sanctuary home.”
The pig-tastic lineup includes:
- Better Piggies tSoyNami launch: Beginning the week of Aug. 24, Nami, located at 2202 N. 7th St. in Phoenix, will debut a limited-edition Better Piggies tSoyNami created in support of the sanctuary. A tSoyNami is Nami’s signature frozen treat, similar to a Blizzard, made by mixing Nami ice cream with a variety of toppings and available exclusively at Nami.
- Piggies in Pop Culture Trivia Night: On Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 7 p.m., Green Vegetarian at 2240 N. Scottsdale Road will host an evening of pig-themed trivia. Guests can test their knowledge of famous pigs from television, movies and pop culture while supporting the rescue.
- Better Piggies Snout Art Show and Silent Auction: On Saturday, Aug. 29, Green Vegetarian will host a special art show featuring one-of-a-kind pieces created by rescued pigs. The silent auction will also include items donated by local businesses and community supporters.
- Vitalant Blood Drive: On Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon, the Vitalant Bloodmobile will be onsite at Better Piggies Rescue. Donors can give blood, learn about volunteer opportunities and spend some time relaxing near a few of the sanctuary’s rescued residents.
Better Piggies Rescue is also seeking silent auction contributions from businesses and individuals for the Aug. 29 event. Suggested donations include gift baskets, gift cards, artwork, pig-themed items, event tickets, unique experiences, locally made products, merchandise, collectibles and other creative items likely to inspire a little competitive bidding.
Businesses or individuals interested in donating an auction item can contact betterpiggiesrescue@gmail.com.
“Our pigs have come from many different circumstances, but arriving here gives them the chance to begin again,” Betterman says. “When people attend an event, donate an auction item or simply take the time to learn about pigs, they become part of that story. Community support is what allows us to keep showing up for these animals every day.”
Better Piggies Rescue is a Phoenix-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating pigs, supporting responsible adoption and educating the public about these intelligent, social animals.
The sanctuary is home to more than 215 rescued pigs, along with several other farm animals, all given a safe place to simply be themselves. Better Piggies Rescue is located at 36246 N. 24th St., Phoenix, AZ 85086. Sanctuary visits are available by appointment only, and walk-ins are not permitted. For information about events, donations, tours or volunteer opportunities, visit betterpiggiesrescue.org/events, email betterpiggiesrescue@gmail.com or call 480-744-0997.
