Charlotte is pretty popular these days. Six people are fighting for the chance to give her a kiss next month.

Three-year-old Charlotte will probably be the pig chosen to accept a smooch from one of the local celebrities competing in the American Diabetes Association's "Kiss-a-Pig" fund-raising campaign.

"We have seven candidates who are vying for the privilege," said the association's director Laurie Moir.

Each dollar that is donated to the organization can be used to vote for one of the candidates, Moir said. The competitors are Mike "The Mailman" Herr, WZWW-FM (95.3) disc jockey Ruth O'Brien, the Nittany Lion, Centre County Sheriff Denny Nau, Bellefonte Mayor Candace Dannaker and State College Area High School Principal Mike Griffin.

Pigs have a special significance to diabetes patients, Moir said, adding that the insulin used to treat the disease was originally developed from a pig's pancreas.

The Penn State Advertising Club is helping to organize the campaign and got involved because it is a unique idea and would give them a chance to be creative, said the club's president, Rob Kowalik.

"Originality definitely helps," he said. "With all the student organizations around here, you really have to do something different."

Kowalik said they will have special events throughout the campaign, such as the hog-calling contest held in the Nittany Mall on Saturday. At the contest, Kowalik dressed as a pig.

"It was a blast," he said. "It's amazing what people will do for a good cause."

O'Brien, who is currently leading the fund-raising race, said she will have no problem kissing the pig if she wins.

"I've kissed many pigs in my day," she said. "This one will be easy."

She said there is a need to continue research into the disease because it affects so many people.

"One of my best friends has diabetes. I see her stick herself everyday and I hate it," O'Brien said. "Let's find a cure."

Griffin said although he is extremely busy, he had no hesitations about getting involved with the campaign.

"There are a lot of young and old people affected by the disease, especially in the school system where I spend most of my life," Griffin said. "I have personal friends with it, I know teachers with it and I know students with it. So obviously it's a cause very close to home."

Griffin said raising money is definitely worth kissing a pig.

"I'd kiss it five times if we raised enough money," he said.

Money raised will fund research, educational programs and a camp for children affected by the disease. Election booths will periodically be set up throughout Centre County, and a permanent one is located in the Nittany Mall, Moir said, adding that her organization is also seeking donations from local businesses.

Trent Schriefer, owner of Happy Valley Friendly Farm in Potters Mills, will donate a pig for the day on April 8. He said because of Charlotte's pleasant disposition, she will most likely be the one who gets the big kiss.

"She is very good with people. She'll probably enjoy it," he said.