Habitat for Humanity rolls out annual Pig-N-Pluck fundraiser

Charleston Habitat for Humanity needs a construction truck and they're throwing a party to get the wheels moving.

From 3-8 p.m. Sunday, the third annual Pig-N-Pluck will rev up Bowens Island.

Fiery Ron's Home Team BBQ will provide the "pig" and the Blue Stone Ramblers will provide the "pluck."

Sunday's event also will feature co-sponsors The Bridge at 105.5 FM, broadcasting live.

Sweet Peas Nanny and Babysitting Agency will be on hand to watch the kids, who will be entertained by face painters.

Tickets are $25 for ages 21 and up and include all-you-can eat barbecue and three drink tickets for beer and wine. Extra drink tickets will be $2 each. Ages 13-20 will cost $12 and children under 12 are free.

"It's really about a benefit for Charleston Habitat and raising money for a new truck that will help us build housing," said Kayla Droney, director of development.

"And it's really just a fun event. It's just really fun and you can hang out and have a good time. We're making people more aware of Charleston Habitat with a fun evening."

Last year, at least 250 attended and this year, event organizers expect more than 300.

"We've just started a home-repair program," Droney said. "One program we have is the new construction, and now we have a home-repair program, so the truck is in much more need now more than ever.

"We provide affordable home ownership opportunities for working families in Charleston. We offer a hand up, not a hand out," she continued.

"They learn how to be a good homeowner. The American dream is for home ownership and we help make that possible for these families, helping them get to that dream," Droney said.

"But now we also do home repair, where we go into these communities where homes are older and we repair them. It can be anything from new windows or new doors to be energy efficient."

Charleston Habitat for Humanity hopes to raise $8,000 with Sunday's event.

"College students, families, it's affordable for all. Everyone can come, it's open to the public and it's a down-home, fun event," Droney said. "We have a good time, we raise money for a great cause, hear great music and eat great food."

Since Charleston Habitat for Humanity began in 1989, 61 homes have been built in Charleston and North Charleston. It is one of five local Habitat affiliates.