The 16th Annual Hog Wild for Kids event that benefits the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation (NVCCF) and Camp Cartwheel, was our first live charity event since our December 2019 Miracle on 3rd Street Toy Run. Our annual toy ride also benefits the NVCCF, so this year’s Hog Wild for Kids event was a fitting way to get the Hogs commUNITY back together again.
Since it has been a while that we have held a live event, we had no idea what to expect regarding the number of riders. We were extremely excited so see 77 of our old friends, new friends and business partners show up in support of a charity that is so close to our hearts. This day is all about supporting kids with cancer, their parents, and siblings. Chef Natalie Young of Eat. restaurant in downtown Las Vegas donated breakfast burritos to start our day and our Hogs family members Maureen and Marilyn served them with their always-so-smiling faces.
Our ride in 2019 had to be rescheduled due to high winds but this year the weather was absolutely stellar with temperatures in the 70’s. Leading the riders as road captains were our very own GM – AR Ramsey and Events Director – Penny Osiecki. Our road guards and chase truck did an outstanding job keeping all our riders safe. They were Bartender Manager – Tiffany Bennet, Hogs Security – Sean Delehant and customers of Hogs, that are also considered Hogs family – John, Vince, Dion, Jack, and Brad.
The group rode a scenic one-hour route on I-11 to the Hoover Dam/Lake Mead exit then turned around and stopped at Biscuits & Bourbon in Henderson for lunch. Biscuits & Bourbon is a local small business that opened during the pandemic, so we wanted to show them some love and support. We are so glad they survived during such challenging times. If you are not aware, Water Street in downtown Henderson has morphed into a cool place to hang out with a broad selection of great restaurants and bars that breathes a fun vibe.
Of course, our dear friend and President of the NVCCF – Jeff Gordon, joined us for the ride again this year. There was not a dry eye in the house when he made his morning speech before we took off for the ride. He also blessed us with the following quote. “Our hearts are smiling today and overflowing with love and immense gratitude to Hogs & Heifers for their overwhelming support of the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation. Hog Wild for Kids is one of our most treasured and impactful fundraisers for Camp Cartwheel. Once agaIn, Michelle Dell and her unstoppable staff, along with incredible community support, have sent over 120 kids to Camp!! We love Hogs & Heifers for all they do in our community and especially for loving our children and the families that we serve.” ~Jeff Gordon – President of the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation
We always bring our riders back to Hogs for a raffle and auctions. We had 82 raffle items and 32 very cool live auction items. Some of the items included a Jameson branded Grill, Tito’s and Michelob Ultra Golf Bags, Tito’s lounge chair for two, Tattoos with artists of Aged in Oak Tattoo Parlor and an NFL Dream Trip donated by Hogs & Heifers that brought in $2500.00. Some of the other items that were auctioned off were from famous airbrush and pinstriping artists from our 2019 SEMA Kick-Off Party. Some of these items included a gas tank that was painted and pinstriped by TNA Customs and Hotdog Kustoms, helmets painted by famous artists – Darren McKeag, Keith Eccles and Sean Treves and beautiful paintings by John Deel and canvas art by Johnny the Painter. One of the other big hits in the auction was the Absolut foosball table that opened as a cooler. All total with cash donations, the raffles, auctions, and ride registrations, we were able to raise just over $30,000.00. Thanks to all our sponsors, those who donated items and those who showed up!
Big hugs to our badass boss Michelle Dell! This event is Michelle’s favorite and very close to her heart, but due to an ongoing recovery from an injury, she was not able to attend this year. Big kudos to Tiffany Bennett who took over for Michelle as the auctioneer in her absence, she did a spectacular job!
Penny Osiecki – Hogs & Heifers Saloon
Photo Credit: Candice Cooley – Hogs & Heifers Saloon
