FORT WASHINGTON, Pa. — Each year schools explore opportunities to receive grants to purchase classroom materials. When Daniel Markowski, principal of St. George School in Port Richmond, heard he could secure a grant if he kissed a pig at TruMark Financial’s annual Kiss-A-Pig Financial Literacy Fundraiser, he chuckled. He mulled the idea over and thought a quick smooch wouldn’t be so bad if he could secure a grant for much needed resources.
Markowski puckered up at TruMark Financial’s fundraiser which was held on Oct. 4, at the Abington Art Center. Participants of the fundraiser secured sponsors and donations for the chance to kiss a pig in support of financial literacy. The fundraiser is one component of TruMark Financial’s Building Financial Futures initiative which heightens awareness for financial literacy and raises money for local schools in need of classroom materials.
This was Markowski’s first encounter with Raines, the pot-bellied pig from Ross Mill Farms. TruMark Financial awarded St. George School a $5,500 grant along with 10 other schools that participated in the Kiss-A-Pig fundraiser.
The following schools also participated in the Kiss-A-Pig Financial Literacy Fundraiser:
- APM Rivera Head Start
- Baldi Middle School
- Bensalem High School
- George Washington High School
- Horatio Hackett Elementary School
- Maritime Academy Charter School
- Our Lady Of Calvary School
- Plymouth Whitemarsh High School
- St. George School
- St. Jerome School
- Stephen Decatur Elementary School
The staff at St. George School is already brainstorming about new ways to raise money. Markowski said, “We are so grateful for this opportunity and the partnership we have formed with TruMark Financial. The credit union’s financial literacy program adds value to the school’s curricula and the grant allows the school to purchase much needed materials. Sign me up again to kiss the pig.”
