Community Comes Together at 13th Annual CPO Pig Pickin’ & Open House
On Friday, April 26, 2025, Catholic Parish Outreach (CPO) Food Pantry in Raleigh hosted its 13th Annual Pig Pickin’ & Open House, welcoming hundreds of guests for an afternoon of food, fellowship, and fundraising. Guests enjoyed a festive atmosphere filled with barbecue, live bluegrass music, a bake sale, and a raffle all in support of CPO’s mission to feed and serve neighbors in need.
What began as a simple open house to introduce the community to CPO’s services has grown into a beloved annual tradition. The event originated 13 years ago with the goal of creating awareness and connection. After a successful first year, it became clear that this gathering was not only a chance to build community, but also a valuable fundraising opportunity. Today, it continues to bring people together to “pig out to feed people.”
This year’s event drew a strong attendance, with 384 tickets sold and 354 meals served onsite.
Guests enjoyed a meal of pork BBQ, beef hot dogs, sides, cold drinks, and a vibrant selection of homemade baked goods. Attendees praised the food and atmosphere, with one sponsor calling the pig “stupendous” and another guest remarking that they came specifically for the live music. Many visitors commented on the beautifully presented baked goods, with one attendee describing them as “a work of art.” In keeping with CPO’s mission of service, all leftover food was donated to the Wilmington Street Men’s Shelter to support individuals experiencing homelessness.
The event was made possible thanks to the hard work and collaboration of the CPO staff, Cathedral Knights of Columbus, and members of the CPO Resource Committee, along with a host of dedicated volunteers. Months of preparation went into creating a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Special thanks go to Chef Chris Weir for working his magic on the grill and to Christa Ritchie for designing the warm and inviting decor.
In total, the Pig Pickin’ raised approximately $30,000 to support CPO’s food pantry operations, which continue to meet growing needs in the community. In March 2025 alone, CPO served over 13,000 individuals, highlighting the essential role these funds play in sustaining and expanding services.
Organizers hope to continue building on this success for next year’s event, with plans already underway to make the 14th annual Pig Pickin’ even more memorable.
Events like the Pig Pickin’ offer a unique opportunity for supporters to join together and support CPO’s mission. They remind the community of the power of gathering, sharing a meal, and working together to meet basic human needs offering help, creating hope, and serving all.