lakeland pigfest's impact on the polk county, florida community

The Lakeland Pig Festival is proud to support a variety of charitable interests throughout our community, and to date we have given over $650,000 back to the community over our 15-year history. Together with the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and Girls, Inc., we strive to increase the quality of life in our community and welcome your support on our never ending endeavor.

the junior league of greater lakeland

▪ 38% of Polk County's children start school "not ready to succeed"
▪ Approximately 30% of the workforce in Polk County does not have a high school diploma
▪ Only 2 out of every 10 low-income children enter school ready to read compared to 8 out of 10 middle- to high-income children.

The Junior League of Greater Lakeland, Inc. (JLGL) strives to enhance child welfare and education in the greater Lakeland area by promoting the basic skills necessary for school readiness and family literacy through our community projects Reading is Fundamental (R.I.F.), Ready to Read, and our literacy event The World of Reading Festival.

JLGL members actively reach more than 10,000 families through organizing our fun literacy event, distributing books at 11 schools in the greater Lakeland area and supporting elementary school literacy efforts.

Thanks to the success of the 2010 Lakeland Pig Festival and the volunteer efforts of our Junior League members and their families, we were able to fund our community projects and continue to make an impact through bringing awareness to the importance of family literacy and school readiness. The members of the Junior League understand the importance of giving back to our community not only through the efforts of the League, but through other volunteer organizations in our community. Training our members to be effective volunteers is accomplished though the League's training programs. This enables League members to get involved in our community as qualified and highly trained civic and community leaders.

For further information and opportunities to support The Junior League of Greater Lakeland, please visit our website.

girls inc.

Girls Incorporated is a nonprofit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Girls Inc’s national roots date back to 1864 and locally Girls Inc has provided vital educational programs to thousands of girls in Polk County for decades. Girls from all walks of life are served by this organization along with those in high-risk underserved areas. Today, innovative programs help girls confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential, and prepare them to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives. In addition, the organization teaches girls how to advocate for themselves and their communities, using their voices to promote positive change.

Through the amazing support of the community and events like PigFest, Girls Inc. is able to provide education, support and empowering mentor programs for girls throughout our community. As a nonprofit the organization depends on public support—corporations, foundations, government grants, and individuals. Today’s girls are tomorrow’s leaders and we are helping to make those future leaders strong, smart and bold!

For more information on how you can help or volunteer contact 863-682-3002.