The Wondersign team is very competitive and loves to “smoke” the competition, sometimes even literally. Case in point: When everybody else is fast asleep, softly slumbering into yet another relaxing weekend, a few #teamwondersign members are firing up their smokers and grills at 4:30 am, going up against 49 other corporate teams in a BBQ competition.
By the time the sun rises over downtown Tampa, our part-time pit masters have already been hard at work for over 3 hours. One of the categories of the corporate BBQ competition is brisket, which takes 8 or even 10 or 12 hours on the smoker. There’s no way around “low and slow”. Shortcuts and impatience only lead to poor results – ask our home cook executives about their 4-hour brisket attempts. Not everything can be optimized, streamlined, and automated.
What is a “Pig Jig”?
The Tampa Pig Jig is an annual fundraiser event hosted on downtown Tampa’s beautiful waterfront featuring live music, great food, a corporate BBQ competition, drinks, and games. The event benefits NephCure Kidney International, the only non-profit organization committed to supporting research, improving treatment, and finding a cure for the debilitating kidney disease, FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis) and Nephrotic Syndrome.
How it Started
In 2008, Tampa native Will was diagnosed with an aggressive form of FSGS, a rare and debilitating kidney disease. Unfortunately, it quickly led to total kidney failure. Will was rendered bedridden and later underwent a kidney transplant. While the transplant was successful at first, the disease quickly took hold of the new kidney and Will faces life on dialysis – until a cure is found.
A close-knit group of friends rallied together to create a simple BBQ fundraiser event to raise money for NephCure Kidney International, the only non-profit organization committed to finding a cure for FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome. What began as a simple backyard BBQ has grown into the Tampa Pig Jig on the River, an annual waterfront blowout with great bands, delicious food, fun games, and thousands of attendees.
Wondersign for the Win
While our customers have adopted our hashtag #winningwithwondersign, the Pig Jig is not about winning that medal. Or, let’s rephrase that: winning the BBQ competition at the Pig Jig is secondary. It’s all about being able to contribute to a great and important cause. Dialysis is a lifelong reality for Will and so many others. This event strives to find a cure.
The least we can do is bring together coworkers, families, friends, partners, customers, and guests for a fun day of music, food, and great conversations. The goal is to raise awareness, and enough funds, to invest in research and find a cure.
Over the past 7 years, the Tampa Pig Jig has raised over $3,000,000 with all proceeds benefiting NephCure.
Back in 2019 to Make “Top 3”!
And even though it’s secondary, we established how competitive we are. In 2018 our wild card entry made 9th place. Although we ranked higher overall the year before, we’ll be back in 2019 to finally make the “Top 3”!
And as with all great things, they take a lot of practice. Be the guinea pig and get early access to amazing food by joining #teamwondersign.
Get Cooking!
Tampa Pig Jig is possible with the help of volunteers. Become a volunteer or donate. Thank you!
