Although the primary goal of the Virginia Pork Festival is to promote the pork industry, it is a nonprofit organization that provides local clubs and civic organizations with an opportunity to raise funds for their respective groups. Over the past three decades more than one million dollars have been donated to: Hospice, Shriners, The American Red Cross, area civic, rescue and fire departments, and many others. It should be noted that all dishes are prepared and served by these groups, all of whom make the festival a great success for the local communities.