4/3/08
New Zion’s Harrison family holds Relay ‘Pig Pickin’
By Jerriod Grizzle

JERRIOD GRIZZLE/Manning Times

Robertha Harrison and Clarendon County Council Chair Dwight Stewart stand side by side at Harrison’s New Zion home. Harrison hosted a pig pickin’ benefit for Relay for Life last Saturday.

If a little rain dampened spirits last Saturday, you couldn’t tell it by Robertha Harrison’s car filled front lawn.

Harrison, along with family and friends, held their own special brand of a Relay for Life fundraiser. Her “Pig Pickin’” felt more like a homecoming as friends, family and newcomers who were treated like family, turned out from the community of New Zion and the surrounding area to taste perhaps the best barbecue in the county and give a donation to a good cause.

“We want to do it to raise awareness in New Zion. We are here and we are strong and we want to give,” said Harrison. “We wanted to do something different.”

Harrison said she had her personal reason for throwing her backyard party.

“I do it for survivors and I do it for those who didn’t make it,” she said.

Both her mother and her sister passed away from cancer.

Harrison said last year she walked from store to store in Manning and as persons gave donations she gave it to Relay. She attended last year’s event and danced to the music.

Her goal this year was to sell as many plates as she could filled with southern delights such as pig, rice, cake, macaroni, chicken bowls and green beans. Harrison sold at least 60 plates and gave away some more.

The fundraiser featured more than just great food. Kids of all ages fished off the banks of her pond, adults and children played basketball including the game HORSE.

Harrison had a few special appearances as guests at the pickin’ as well. Manning High School Band Director Ray Francis brought four members from the school’s famous drumline.

The members of the band, Robert Wilson, Tyrice Murphy, Samuel Brown and Tawanna Randal played a set of six songs.

Relay For Life Event Chair Pete Surette showed up to deliver an encouraging word to Harrison and her family.

“We want to come by and be a part of each of the fund raisers and to show our support countywide. My wife (Janene) and I are from this area and we call it home. When the community comes out it really hits home with the local folks; it is a really good thing,” he said.