The Pig Gig and the Jay Alexander Foundation were formed to honor the life of Jay Alexander, a Rogers resident who passed away in 2011 at age 20 from Fibrolamellar Cancer, a rare form of liver cancer. Jay was a 2009 graduate of Rogers High School and was attending college at Arkansas Tech University when he was diagnosed with this disease. The first Pig Gig was held in New Jersey--hosted by Glenn Alexander, Jay’s uncle, a professional musician--who founded and has hosted six Pig Gigs in the Garden State.

“Jay lived life to the fullest,” shared Sheila Alexander, Jay's mom. “We want to keep his memory alive and one way we do so is by supporting the Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation," she continued.  “Once Glenn began hosting the Pig Gig in New Jersey, it was a natural progression to bring this event to Northwest Arkansas," she explained. "The first was held in Rogers in 2019 on private property, and, after taking a break for COVID, it is back in 2022,” she continued. The Alexanders, and a raft of sponsors and volunteers, are again together, 10 years since his life was cut short, and invite you to raise a toast to Jay Alexander on June 5th, “Here’s to Jay!”

Jay’s family has close ties to the Rogers community. Jay’s mom, Sheila, is owner of Alexander Realtime Reporting, a business that offers professional service of certified court reporters. His dad is Greg Alexander, recently retired as a construction superintendent for Clinard Construction. His next adventure is to open “Pub on the Bricks,” which will be a downtown Rogers beer and wine bar with weekly entertainment.  

Jay’s sister, Brooke, also has an entrepreneurial spirit and love for Downtown Rogers. She is the founder and owner of Alexander Baking Co., located at 210 S 1^st Street. Her beautiful and delicious baked good will be at the Pig Gig again this year.

Attendees will enjoy delicious food including a pig roast, prepared by Hannah Cicioni of TxAR House, and beverages including locally made craft beer provided by Ozark Beer Co. Also, scheduled is a great line up of music including LaRue/Alexander - L.A.X.; Blue Americana, both based in New Jersey, and Eric Miller of Springdale. A limited number of tickets are available and will provide guests with an afternoon live entertainment, food, and beverages. Pre-sale tickets are $40 for adults, and $15 for children (12 & under). Tickets at the door will be $50 (if event is not sold out). Doors open at 2pm, and entertainment starts at 2:30pm. Proceeds from ticket sales, donations and sponsorships will be donated to the Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation, a 501(c)(3), via Jay Alexander Foundation, Inc., a local 501(c)(3).  Approximately 200 people world-wide are diagnosed with this cancer each year. To date, fund-raising efforts by the Alexanders have generated more than $120,000 in donations to Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation.

The Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation has made great strides in the ten years it has been in operation, donating over $7 million to 18 research institutions. In that time, they have discovered the genetic mutation common to fibrolamellar; there are now clinical trials; they have hosted a Research Summit where they get all the great minds in one location to discuss this disease; just to name a few things they have accomplished. www.fibrofoundation.org 

CLICK HERE for Tickets to the Pig Gig. 

https://stubs.net/event/4585/pig-gig-arkansas-a-cancer-benefit-in-honor-of-jay-alexander

https://www.facebook.com/Pub-on-the-Bricks-Rogers-101543659195081