STANWOOD, Mich. — When you visit Bill and Julie Hoisington's home in rural Mecosta County, the first thing you'll probably notice is how peaceful their property is, and how much space they have in their backyard. On Saturday, that space is expected to be full of people making a huge difference in their community.
Bill and Julie will be hosting their annual pig roast, called "Pork For A Purpose." Registration for the cornhole tournament will start at 10:30 a.m., with dinner starting at 4 p.m., and live music beginning at 8 p.m. Throughout the day, a number of items will be auctioned off. All the money raised goes to people who badly need it.
"We select a cause every year. All but one have been individuals who are going through their struggle, whatever it is," said Bill, who noted that the one exception was when the pig roast benefited a hunting nonprofit called Quest Ministries.
"I believe that most people out there want to help somebody struggling. It's difficult sometimes for them to find a place to do that, so that's what I see this as - a place for people who want to help anyway, to do it and trust that it's being done responsibly," Bill said.
After hosting pig roasts for years, the Hoisingtons started doing it for charity in 2011. The first event only raised $600, but over the years the event has gotten much bigger, and it's raised a total of $110,700 over the course of 13 years. Bill says there's "not a chance" he could have seen this event becoming as big as it has, but he's proud of the work that's been done.
"We've done things different every year. The more you do, you get better, and we've done a pretty good job, I feel, of putting another wrinkle in that just makes it a little different this year than it was last, and keeps it from being just the same old, same old, same old," he said.
The items that are up for auction were all donated by friends, family members and other people who want to get involved.
"There's so many people that help. They just walk in and say, 'Okay, what do you need? What do you need done?' Or the phone's ringing. 'What can I do to help? What can I bring?' I think every day this week, somebody's called and said, 'What food do you want?'" Julie said.
Bill says this year about a dozen businesses have stepped up to offer everything from hunting and fishing packages that will be auctioned off to cash donations.
Those donations often come from the Stanwood area but they also come from places like Morley, Newaygo, White Cloud, Big Rapids, and Howard City. Often times, new circles of people will get involved with the pig roast for the first time based on who the recipient is. They also get a lot of attention from community cheerleaders like Barbara Peacock, who tipped off 13 ON YOUR SIDE to this story.
"I say it every year at the pig roast, this isn't about us. This is about the community. We provide some meat. We provide a place to do it. We provide a cause, and they come. I tell them every year, bring your hearts and your wallets. That's what we're here for," Bill said.
The Hoisingtons hope this generosity will inspire other communities to take on similar endeavors.
"I know a lot of places do it, but my hope is this plants a seed for every community, because there's people in need everywhere. And there's a backyard in every community that can do this. You just need the group of people willing to come together and make it happen," Bill said.
If you'd like to attend this year's event, the Hoisington's property is located at 8700 180th Avenue in Stanwood.