Fundraiser at Buzz BBQ will help valley seniors

By Dylan Scott

Tuesday, March 1, 2011 | 3:45 p.m.

Feed a pig, help a senior: That's the idea behind Helping Hands of Vegas Valley's fundraising efforts this year, as the organization tries to fill a $80,000 shortfall.

On Wednesday, Helping Hands will hold its first PIG-OUT at Buzz BBQ on Tropicana Avenue in the western valley. The event starts at 3 p.m. The restaurant will offer a 20 percent discount to attendees.

The concept is simple: Participants "adopt" a piggy bank, collect donations, turn their bank in during monthly PIG-OUT'S and race to earn the most money. Those interested are encouraged to adopt their own piggy banks on Wednesday, said executive director Dana Serrata.

The fundraiser "is an important way for us to continue to provide the services that seniors in our community have come to rely on," Serrata said. She hoped increased donations "may allow us to possibly expand our reach to our waiting list."

This year, the non-profit organization is dealing with an $80,000 gap in funding, the result of state budget cuts and fewer grants, Serrata said, making the PIG-OUT program necessary.

Helping Hands was established in 2000 "with the purpose of helping senior citizens remain independent in their homes," its website says, by providing food and transportation services.

For more information, call 702-633-7264.