After a month of anticipation, a local nonprofit is celebrating a major boost to its mission thanks to an unlikely fundraiser.
The Erie County 4H program presented a check for more than $22,000 on Tuesday to Parkinson Partners of Northwest Pennsylvania, the proceeds from this year’s Charity Hog auction at the Waterford Fair.
The donation came from “Iceman,” a 271-pound pig selected as the fair’s annual Charity Hog. During last month’s auction, Iceman sold for an impressive $81 per pound, generating a substantial contribution for the local organization.
Representatives from Parkinson Partners of Northwest Pennsylvania accepted the donation during a special presentation, expressing gratitude for the community’s generosity and the support shown through the long-running fair tradition.
The nonprofit has served the Erie region for more than three decades, providing support, education, and resources for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their families. Unlike many larger organizations, Parkinson Partners of Northwest Pennsylvania operates as an independent nonprofit focused on meeting the needs of local residents.
Organizers say the overwhelming success of this year’s Charity Hog auction highlights the community’s commitment to helping neighbors facing health challenges and ensuring local support programs can continue their work for years to come.