TAMPA - What began as a few friends firing up their grills in a South Tampa backyard has grown into one of the Bay Area’s biggest charity festivals — the Tampa Pig Jig.

Now in its 14th year, the event drew thousands of guests to Tampa’s waterfront for a sold-out day of live music, friendly barbecue competition, and a powerful purpose.

The festival benefits The Hopewill Foundation, which supports families battling kidney disease and helps fund research for nephrotic syndrome — a rare and currently incurable condition.

What they're saying:

"It started with a few people who wanted to cook barbecue, and we had a great time," said founding board member Chris Whitney. "We had no idea we were ever going to do this again. And it’s still just — I’m in awe when I look around today." Image 1 o

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