By Laura Gasvoda

Thanks to the women of Alpha Kai Omega, students had the privilege of watching Assistant Dean for Spiritual Life Mark Lewis kiss a pig after Chapel Monday. The event was a success, raising $200 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Kaios recruited Mark Lewis, Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, Dr. Richard Beck, and President Phil Schubert as candidates for the kiss that took place Monday. Students then made donations under their favorite candidate’s name, and the candidate with the most money won the opportunity to kiss a pig.

“There was a close race between Mark Lewis and President Phil Schubert,” says Vanessa Butler, Alpha Kai Omega Vice President. “Mark Lewis actually kissed three pigs; the first one was for Alpha Kai, the second was because it was cute, and the third was for his son, who missed it the first two times.”

“My favorite part was watching Mark kiss the first baby pig that was squealing incessantly,” said Michelle Nix, Alpha Kai Omega President.

Judy Moore of Tuscola, and friend of Alpha Kai Omega, supplied the litter of three -week-old piglets.

“I’m always hugging and kissing them. Buyers always say my pigs are spoiled,” said Moore.

Moore says the piglets will be sold as show pigs.

“I also try to help out local agriculture and 4H kids who can’t afford a pig by donating some of my pigs,” Moore said, “I think the experience of being responsible for an animal is a valuable one.”

This is the first year that Kaios have held the pig-kissing fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, but officers Michelle Nix, Vanessa Butler and Lezli Boren say they may host the event again next year. In the past the club has held fundraisers for other organizations.