Redbones and the Somerville Homeless Coalition team up Monday to roast a pig and help the homeless. At the ninth annual benefit, enjoy traditional slow smoked pork off the bone with all the fixin’s: loins, butts, bellies, slaw, corn on the cob, greens, watermelon and drinks. All proceeds from the event go to the Somerville Homeless Coalition.

Redbones is firing up its portable smoker for a traditional Southern Pig Pickin’ and fund raiser for The Somerville Homeless Coalition (SHC) on Monday, August 2 (rain date: August 9).   The  event takes place on Chester Street in front of the restaurant from 6 – 9 PM and features slow smoked pork pulled off the bone with all the fixin’s. Tickets are $25.00 for adults and, this year, $5.00 for kids under 10 (last year – $10) for a family friendly evening out.  Proceeds from ticket sales go to the SHC.  Information available at 617.628.2200 and www.redbones.com.

The first Pig Pickin’ was such a success that Redbones owners Robert Gregory & Caryn Whitney made it an annual event and fund raiser for the Somerville Homeless Coalition, a non profit with head quarters just steps away from Redbones.   By adding the community component, the Pig Pickin’ became closer to its Southern roots and social ritual.  Pig Pickin’s are frequently political or church gatherings in the South;  they are always reason to come together, where ever there is space available, and spend hours smoking a pig until it’s ready for the pickin’ to begin.

Redbones custom made ‘pig rig’ will be fired up in front of the restaurant early Monday morning (August 2) and whole hogs will go on the spit for 6 – 10 hours of slow roasting. Folks are encouraged to stop by for look and everyone is invited to come later for pork picked off the bone, loins, butts, bellies and cracklin’s plus sides of slaw, corn on the cob, greens, corn bread and watermelon and a choice of drinks including beer.  For entertainment,  there will be live music by The SAPS and other local bands.

“We look forward to the Pig Pickin’ every year,” says SHC Executive Director Mark Alston-Follensbee. “It is a great party for all ages and epitomizes Redbones generosity in the community.  In this tough economy, we are especially grateful for Rob and Caryn’s continuing support and to everyone who comes to the party.”

About the Somerville Homeless Coalition
Since 1985, the Somerville Homeless Coalition (SHC) has been improving the lives of homeless and working poor people in Somerville and the greater Boston area by providing housing and supportive services to end homelessness while fostering independence.  To learn more, please visit www.shcinc.org.

Redbones, at 55 Chester Street, Davis Square, Somerville, is open for lunch, dinner, late night dining and Sunday brunch.  Delivery, take out and catering are also available.  For information about having a Pig Pickin’ for your next event, call Redbones at 617.628.2200 or visit http://www.redbones.com and click on catering.