STATESBORO, Ga. — In a bid to tackle hunger in the community, a Statesboro-based non-profit is set to host an innovative fundraiser this weekend. The event aims to bolster the organization’s mission of ensuring that no one goes hungry.

Feed the Boro, which has been conducting monthly food distributions for the past five years, is gearing up for its inaugural “Smackdown Hunger” event. This unique fundraiser will take place at the Bulloch County Agricultural Complex on Friday, March 6.

“This marks our first-ever fundraising event for Feed the Boro,” shared Don Poe, the organization’s president. “Each month, we provide enough food to sustain a thousand families with two meals a day for an entire week. Accomplishing this requires significant funds, and this is the first time we’re hosting an event to help meet those financial needs.”

Poe noted that the cost of each monthly food drop is around $5,000. The goal for Friday’s event is to raise between $10,000 to $15,000, which would cover the expenses for two to three future distributions.

“We’re transforming this dirt-floored arena into a professional wrestling venue,” Poe explained, detailing the creative approach the organization is taking to address food insecurity through a wrestling showcase.

He also explained to why the organization chose a wrestling showcase as a way to raise funds for food insecurity.

“Nobody’s ever done it before,” Poe said. “The number one reason, wrestling, it’s an American institution. I just turned 72 yesterday, but when I was a kid growing up in West Virginia, I was watching wrestling on TV. It’s been around forever.”

He adds, “[Wrestling] brings back childhood memories. You go to have a ball. This is going to be family-friendly, and you go to have a good time.”

The event will feature wrestlers from American Premier Wrestling (APW). Its commissioner, Lil T, sent the following quote:

“The partnership with Feed the Boro reflects the organization’s long-standing commitment to service beyond the ring,” she said. “As a licensed pro wrestling organization for more than 27 years, APW has focused on God, community, and tradition — values that align directly with the mission behind Smackdown Hunger. With hunger affecting so many local families, organizers say they are committed to doing everything possible through this event and future efforts to help make a difference.”

Poe believes Friday’s slate of matches could be historic.

“We have eight matches scheduled right now,” he said. “We have a surprise match, which I’m not going to announce right now, but I think we’re going to have nine matches. We have three title matches and we have one match which is going to blow everybody away. I don’t think it’s ever been done in the history of wrestling.”

A limited number of tickets are still available and can be purchased for $10 plus fees at Feed the Boro’s website or in-person for $10 at D&R Intensive Car Care.

Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. with festivities scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.