Swinetangle Benefit VCU Massey Cancer Center September 27, 2009

The Massey Alliance, a volunteer group of young professionals, invites the community to Rock Bottom Island Sunday, Sept. 27, from noon to 4 p.m. for the 4th annual Swinetangle, a family-oriented fundraiser presented by Marshall Mechanical. Rock Bottom Island is located across from the River Road Shopping Center at 5995 River Road.

Swinetangle is the fun fundraiser with the funny name!

The event includes all-you-can-eat barbecue from The Smokey Pig; all-you-can-drink beverages from Loveland Distributors; rockin’ Americana music by The Atkinsons; a cornhole tournament for adults; and entertainment by Jonathan Austin for kids. There will be a silent auction and Marshall Mechanical will sponsor a drawing for one Swinetangle attendee to win up to $5,000 worth of Lennox® home heating and air conditioning products. Installation not included. All event attendees will be eligible to win!

The event’s reasonable ticket cost appeals to young professionals, families and all Richmonders who want to support VCU Massey Cancer Center. Tickets are available at www.massey.vcu.edu/swinetangle for $25 per adult before the event and $35 at the door. Children’s tickets (10 years and older) are $10 online or $15 at the door. Children under 10 get in free. The Massey Alliance also seeks event Patrons, whose $50 gift includes one adult ticket, a $25 tax-deductible gift to Massey, and a listing at the event.

“Swinetangle is the perfect way to celebrate the end of summer,” said Matt Anderson, event co-chair. “Organizing this event is a labor of love, and it reflects our gratitude that we live in a community that has such an incredible resource as the Massey Cancer Center. With the staggering cancer statistics, supporting world-class cancer research that makes the newest findings available to people right here and around the world is an investment in our futures.”

In addition to spending an afternoon on one of the most picturesque pieces of land on the James River, Swinetangle guests can test their skills at the favorite Richmond backyard game, cornhole. For the uninitiated, cornhole is much like a beanbag toss, and the bags are filled with corn. Cost to enter the cornhole tournament is $5. New players wishing to familiarize themselves with terms and rules can visit http://www.playcornhole.org/.

Entertainer Jonathan Austin will be a highlight of the event for adults and children alike. Austin is well known in Richmond for his magical tricks, entertaining antics and loveable personality. Additional children’s entertainment includes face-painting and balloon art.

“Last year, more than 400 people enjoyed barbecue and bluegrass at Swinetangle and we netted more than $20,000 for Massey Cancer Center,” said Morgan Guthridge, event co-chair. “Times are tough in this economy, but we are hoping that our reasonable ticket price and laid-back atmosphere will appeal to an even bigger crowd this year!”

Event sponsors include Marshall Mechanical, CB Richard Ellis, SunTrust, Cox Radio, JHI and Hardwood Mulch and Cox Radio. Beverages are being provided courtesy of Loveland Distributors, Inc. Sponsorships are still available by contacting Stephanie Jenks at (804) 847-0642 or sjenks@vcu.edu.

Note to editors: Several visual opportunities take place at this event. Contact Stephanie Jenks in advance at (804) 827-0642 or sjenks@vcu.edu; day-of-event contact is Rachel Kaplan at (804) 347-3772.

Official Website: http://www.massey.vcu.edu/swinetangle