TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Pig Jig is set to launch its sold out 11th annual event at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park Saturday with more than 70 teams competing for best barbecue to help raise money to help people with rare kidney diseases.

The event will also feature a headlining performance by country music star Sam Hunt.

“We couldn’t be more proud — we’re humbled to be a part of such a special thing,” said Tampa Pig Jig co-founder Vince Chillura.

Chillura hosted the first Pig Jig in his backyard with his friends to help support another friend, Will Wellman, who was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, or FSGS, a rare kidney disease.

“Really, four guys kind of talking smack about who could cook the best barbecue,” Chillura said of how it all began. “We invited some people, had live music, and the people that came had such a good time that we kind of morphed into what’s now the Pig Jig.”

They donate proceeds from the event to NephCure Kidney International, a nonprofit that works to speed up research into treatments for rare forms of nephrotic syndrome, a condition caused by FSGS. NephCure Vice President of Professional Relations Lauren Eva said Tampa Pig Jig is its single biggest fundraiser, having raised more than $5 million for her organization.

“Twelve years ago, there was really very little research happening for new drugs for these rare kidney diseases,” Eva said. “The impact has been incredible. There’s so much research that has moved forward. We’re just a few years way from seeing some of he first drugs available."

According to Eva, there are more than 50 clinical trials taking place for those treatments.

As for Wellman, Chillura said he depends on dialysis but is doing well today. 

If you’d like to help support research, you can learn more on the Tampa Pig Jig and NephCure websites.