A night of community, arm wrestling, and pickles!

Earlier this month, PORCH Chapel Hill-Carrboro participated in possibly the most unique fundraiser in its history. The League of Upper Extremity Wrestling Women of Durham (LUEWWD) has used theatrical arm wrestling competitions as a mode of fundraising for local nonprofits for more than two decades, and we are lucky to have been chosen as a recipient organization in 2026!

LUEWWD XX: Family Values brought a packed crowd to Motorco Music Hall in Durham on the 7th. Contestants like Muscle Mommy, Gorothy of Oz, and—representing PORCH and co-recipient Urban Community Agronomics (UCAN)—The Big Dill battled it out in a test of upper arm strength, lip synching prowess, and dad jokery. Though the title belt went to Muscle Mommy (she deadlifted her husband on stage, nobody else had a chance) the real winners were the communities that PORCH and UCAN serve. Through pre-event fundraising, local business sponsors, and dollar bills flying the night-of, we raised nearly $20,000, the highest amount raised of any LUEWWD event ever!

This experience has left us feeling so loved by the Durham and Chapelboro communities. LUEWWD XX wasn’t just a fundraiser, it was an opportunity for us to connect to UCAN and the amazing work they’re doing one county over, to marvel at the perfectly-executed event that was once just a friend group’s dream, to channel our inner pickle-sonas, and to witness our neighbors supporting each other on a grand scale.

We are so thankful to LUEWWD for inviting us to participate in this event, to all the business sponsors that helped make the night so special, and to everyone who contributed to a successful fundraiser. These contributions will help PORCH Chapel Hill-Carrboro continue to welcome new families to our programs without a waitlist so that all of our neighbors have enough fresh food to live an active, healthy life.