On May 16, Cape Fear Harley Davidson will become the hub for Cape Beard’s 14th Annual Pig Pickin’ fundraiser to benefit two local organizations that support those affected by autism. From 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., the dealership will transform into a family-friendly destination for good food, music, and fun for all ages.
The event is presented by the guys in Cape Beard, “a 501(c)3 beard and moustache club promoting the accolades of facial hair via competition and hosting events for local charities.” The club started in 2011 with 10 guys who enjoyed a beard competition show called “Whisker Wars” and decided to start a club, almost as a joke. Now, 15 years later, the club has grown to 20 active members and a regular slate of fundraising activities that benefit local charities. Current president Doug Cameron explains that members are required to have facial hair of some kind for at least nine months out of the year.
The Pig Pickin’ Fundraiser started in 2012 and in that time, has raised over $130,000. This year’s event promises to be as fun and delicious as any others. The food, of course, is the star of the show, with the great bearded ones working to prepare 750 pounds of pulled pork. The $7 plates also come with coleslaw, baked beans, and bread alongside the heaping helping of barbecue. Local favorite Chason’s is helping to provide the extras to go along with the club-made pork. In past years, they have come close to selling out and are hoping this is the year that there won’t be any leftovers.
Only cash is accepted to purchase food, but there is an ATM on-site. You don’t have to pre-order, just show up with cash in hand, grab plates for your crew, and enjoy.
But don’t plan to eat and run, as the event will provide lots of opportunity to hang out and enjoy a spring afternoon with family, friends, and neighbors. There will be live music throughout the day; several vendors will be selling their wares; there will be a bounce house and a kids’ obstacle course, even a dunk tank!
All proceeds from the Pig Pickin’ will go to two local organizations that benefit individuals and families impacted by autism. One organization is the School of Hope, a K-12 school that is dedicated to helping children on the autism spectrum. Opening in Fayetteville in 2017, The School of Hope works “to provide a holistic, opportunistic, positive education to students with autism in a nurturing environment leading to a positive and productive future for our students and their families.”
The other organization that will benefit from the proceeds of the Pig Pickin’ is the Autism Society of North Carolina. The mission of the Society is to improve the lives of people with autism, to support their families, and to educate communities in NC. The money that Cape Beard donates specifically goes to help pay for kids on the spectrum to attend a summer camp specifically designed for kids with autism.
Cape Beard’s commitment to helping out the local community is evident in how they spend the money raised through their events. They specifically choose to fundraise for organizations instead of for individuals. As explained by Cameron, this ensures that they know how the money they raise and donate is being used, because these organizations have financial records that provide for accountability. The club is very intentional about their fundraising dollars remaining in Cumberland County. While there are excellent and worthy organizations outside of our community, Cape Beard has made a specific commitment to focusing on helping local groups through their fundraising efforts. Since its inception, the annual Pig Pickin’ has always been used to benefit and help those affected by autism.
If there are those in the community who would like to lend a hand and some more dollars to the Pig Pickin’ there are ways to get involved beyond just buying food. The club is still accepting sponsors for the event. There are three levels of sponsorship: Silver Sponsors will receive a shoutout on Club Beard’s Facebook page, a poster, and a free vendor space for $200; Gold ($300), which will receive all that plus a 3x5 banner at the event and 2 plates of food; and the Platinum level ($500) which will receive all of the above plus a video promoting the business or organization, 2 t-shirts from the event, and a plaque recognizing their sponsorship. This is a great way to promote a business or organization while also giving money to a great cause.
For the first time, Cape Beard is offering annual sponsorships, which cost $1000 and make the donor a “top-tier” sponsor for all their fundraising events for the year. To become a sponsor, email capebeard@yahoo.com.
If you are interested in being a vendor at the event, there are still spaces available. Email the club at the address above or send them a direct message on Facebook to request the vendor worksheet.
The club is also seeking volunteers to help the event run smoothly. Any group or individual who would like to help on May 16 can reach out to Doug Cameron at 910-922-2448 or email capebeard@yahoo.com
With food, music, and community spirit all in one place, the 14th Annual Pig Pickin’ promises to bring together Cape Beard’s signature combination of fun and purpose. Whether you plan to buy a plate, become a sponsor, or volunteer your time, your contribution helps ensure that the School of Hope and the Autism Society of North Carolina can continue their vital work.

(Graphic courtesy of Cape Beard)