After more than a decade of waiting, YouthZone is thrilled to announce the return of one of Western Colorado’s most beloved and quirky fundraisers: Kiss-N-Squeal. But before we can bring back the fun, we need your help. The iconic YouthZone pig — a local legend made from a pink-painted barrel — has been missing since 2014. We’re calling on the community to help us find it. If you know where the pig is hiding, please let us know. We really don’t want to make a new one!
First launched in 1991, Kiss-N-Squeal was designed to put the “fun” back in fundraising while supporting YouthZone’s vital programs for youth and families. Over the course of two decades, this lighthearted competition raised more than $1.3 million, with the 2014 iteration alone bringing in nearly $193,000. The premise is simple: community leaders campaign for votes (each dollar donated equals one vote), and the winner earns the unforgettable honor of kissing a real pig in front of a cheering crowd.
This year, Kiss-N-Squeal returns as part of YouthZone’s 50th Anniversary Gala, culminating in a grand finale on May 1, 2026, at the historic Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs. The gala promises an evening of celebration, community spirit, and, of course, the pucker-worthy moment everyone’s been waiting for.
Kiss-N-Squeal and the 50th Anniversary Gala aren’t just about laughs and photo ops — they’re about impact. Funds raised during the campaign will directly offset the cost of providing services to nearly 500 youth and 1,500 community members each year, helping YouthZone fulfill its mission of fostering Hopeful Youth, Strong Families, and Safe Communities. From court diversion programs and substance education to family counseling and restorative justice, YouthZone has been a cornerstone of support for young people in our valley for fifty years, more than a third of the time that Colorado has been a state!
How You Can Get Involved
If you remember where the pink barrel pig ended up after the last Kiss-N-Squeal, please reach out. It’s a piece of local history, and we’d love to bring it back for this milestone event.
Even if you don’t know where the pig is, you probably have what it takes to rally your friends, family, and colleagues for a great cause. Kiss-N-Squeal candidates commit to raising at least $5,000 during the six-week campaign, starting March 20, 2026. Candidates receive eight gala tickets, recognition in event marketing, and the chance to make a lasting impact on local youth.
This event is more than a fundraiser — it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and five decades of commitment to our youth. So, Western Colorado, let’s make this 50th Anniversary Kiss-N-Squeal the biggest and best yet. But first things first: where’s that pig?
For candidate details or to share pig sightings, contact Ali Naaseh-Shahry, Development Director at [email protected] or 970-930-6540.
By ALI NAASEH-SHARY
