RICHMOND, Va. – A 40-pound concrete pig bound for auction was stolen from Lunch & Supper property in Scott’s Addition sometime between Sunday morning and Monday morning, according the owner.
The PBR pig is part of the “Big Pig Project” at Lunch & Supper, which is a benefit for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond. Rick Lyons, owner of Lunch & Supper, said if the piece is not returned, it could cost the families of sick children hundreds of dollars.
"We think the PBR pig could have gone for $800-$1,000 for the charity," Lyons said. "$800 can go for paying for a week, possibly, at one of their homes for a child and their family."
The 40-pound concrete pig is sponsored by Loveland Beer Distributors and is scheduled to go up for auction along with other painted and Richmond-themed pigs.
"It was probably just a moment in time for them. They picked it up and it's gone and they'll never think of it again. But for me, I think it would bother my soul for the rest of my life if I knew I had taken money from a charity," Lyon said about whoever stole the pig.
Lyons said it appears the person who took it moved around other pigs to make it seem like nothing was missing.
The Big Pig Project will be held at the restaurant from noon to 6 p.m. on April 22. Expect a “BBQ street festival” with the block around 1215 Summit Ave closed down for festivities. There will be multiple painted concrete garden pigs for auction, live country music, a local craft market, BBQ, beer, wine, and more.
Entry is free, but attendees are invited to leave a $5 suggested donation. You can read more about the event,here.
Lyons said he hopes social media attention and news stories will help with lead because they do not have any right now.
The PBR pig was stolen from Lunch & Supper
