Four Iowa pork producer families joined others from Illinois, Georgia and Texas to help with a touching pork promotion at Snowball Express VII in Ft. Worth, Texas, on Dec. 13.
Snowball Express is an organization that is dedicated to helping children from five to 18 years of age who have lost a mom, dad or both in the line of duty since 9/11. More than 1,800 children and military family members from across the country traveled to Texas for Snowball Express.
Following a parade in downtown Ft. Worth, the pork producers were on hand to greet and serve families and volunteers at a nearby ranch. In a little over an hour, producers served more than 1,000 hot dogs, 1,000 brat burgers and 750 boneless loin chops to those in attendance.
“Doing great things for others and giving to others through events such as the Snowball Express definitely warms the heart,” said Marlys Carlson, who along with her husband, Greg, raise hogs near Stratford. “The feelings that we experienced while helping out at the Snowball Express were more than anything that we had experienced before. It was incredible.”
Pork producers also distributed Pork Checkoff stuffed toy pigs, coloring books and pig erasers to the children. The opportunity reflects the pork industry's We CareSM initiative, which demonstrates pork producers' commitment to established ethical principles that promote a better quality of life in local communities.
Snowball Express is held each year and children from all over the world are flown in at no cost by presenting sponsor American Airlines for four days of sporting events, dances, amusement parks and more.
The Iowa Pork Producers Association joined with the National Pork Board in supporting the event.
Source: IowaPork