Although October is prime time for apple picking, beer fests, and Halloween thrills, we can’t forget that it’s also a time to focus on supporting the fight against breast cancer. In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, local organizations are painting the town pink with lots of special fundraisers. From cocktails and concerts to fashion shows and 5Ks, here are some of the best ways to support the cause.
EXERCISE EVENTS:
Komen Maryland Race for the Cure
Oct. 25: Lace up your running shoes, rock a pink bandana, and make your way to Hunt Valley for the 23rd annual race for the cure. The festivities begin bright and early with the 5K run, followed by a family walk, a food truck rally, and a Survivor Dance Party in race village. 11350 McCormick Road, Hunt Valley, 410-938-8990
Making Strides of Baltimore:
Oct 18: Grab a pink wig and a feather boa and gear up for this walk to benefit the American Cancer Society. Attendees are invited to get their blood pumping with a Zumba warm-up, snap photos with Natty Boh and the Baltimore Blast cheerleaders, and stroll around Waverly in the non-competitive 5K. Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Center YMCA, 900 E. 33rd St., 410-933-5160
Pink Power
Oct. 24: This annual fitness fête at SynergyFx in Columbia has raised more than $96,000 dollars for breast cancer research since its inception eight years ago, and the studio’s owner Charmaine Gordon (a survivor herself) is hoping to surpass the $100,000 mark this year. The Pink Power fundraiser will feature an afternoon of Zumba, yoga, and SPROING (think high-intensity interval training on a cushiony treadmill) classes, as well as tons of raffle prizes. 8815 Columbia 100 Parkway, Ste. 2, Columbia, 410-964-9858.
CONCERTS FOR A CAUSE:
Breast Concert Ever:
Oct. 9: Rising artist Rachel Platten has been topping charts lately with her hit “Fight Song”—a proclamation of strength that has resonated with patients and survivors worldwide. Hear it live at this benefit for the GW Mobile Mammography program that also features pop openers A Great Big World and Karmin. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St., Washington, D.C., 202-328-6000
BreastFest:
Oct. 17: The Tyanna Foundation is throwing this massive pink bash at Power Plant Live, complete with eats and drinks, a silent auction, and an energetic live music lineup. Throw on your brightest apparel and spend the afternoon singing along to covers by Scott’s New Band and The Remainders. 34 Market Pl., 410-727-5483.
Laurie DeYoung’s Bosom Buddy Girls Night Out:
Oct. 9: For all of the ladies looking to ditch the boys and enjoy a night on the town: Sip cocktails, snack on hors d’oeuvres, and jam to the country sounds of headliner Jana Kramer at this concert. A portion of the night’s ticket sales will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Maryland Live Casino, 7002 Arundel Mills Circle #7777, Hanover, 443-842-7000.
DRINK PINK:
“Crush Breast Cancer” Cocktail at Wit & Wisdom:
This waterfront spot is supporting the fight by shaking up a special cocktail to benefit the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center this month. Dubbed the “Crush Breast Cancer” cocktail by bartender Jonathan Levy, the drink fuses Ketel One citron, botanical liqueur from Spain, agave syrup, lemon, lime, egg white, and Peychauds bitters. 200 International Drive, 410-223-1456
“Pink Paradise” at Howl at the Moon:
Known for its meant-for-sharing booze buckets, this Power Plant Live destination is a great place to kick back and enjoy live music. This month, Howl at the Moon will be pouring a signature “Pink Paradise” bucket that combines Cruzan vanilla rum, peaches, pineapples, and raspberries. 34 Market Pl., 410-727-5483
Pynk Month at Kooper’s:
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month just so happens to overlap with Baltimore Beer Week, and Kooper’s is supporting the fight with pink drink deals and a special BBW event to benefit the Tyanna Foundation. Through October, all three Kooper’s locations will offer pink-inspired menu items such as Yards Brewing Company’s signature PYNK beer (brewed with fresh raspberries and sour and sweet cherries) a special pink cocktail (ruby red Absolut, muddled mint, grapefruit juice, cranberry, and soda,) and a burger topped with Yards PYNK-pickled onions. Additionally, to close-out Baltimore Beer Week, on Oct. 18 Kooper’s Tavern in Fells Point will host a special “Pynk Beers and Football” fundraiser where fans are invited to sip Yard’s PYNK and watch the Ravens take on the 49ers. Multiple locations including 1702 Thames St., 410-563-5423
FASHION AND LIFESTYLE:
“Fashion Saves Lives” Gala:
Oct. 26: Now in its third year, this chic fashion show hosted by the American Breast Cancer Foundation highlights some of the hottest trends for fall and winter. Dress to impress and head to the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall to walk the red carpet, sample eats and drinks from local restaurants, and catch a glimpse of the latest looks modeled by breast cancer survivors. 1212 Cathedral St., 410-730-5105
Pink Extensions at About Faces:
About Faces Day Spa and Salon, which boasts six locations everywhere from Salisbury to Timonium, is doing its part to raise awareness by offering $10 pink hair extensions during the month of October. Proceeds from the signature streaks will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Multiple locations including 110 W. Timonium Road, Timonium, 410-560-6600
Pink Handbags from Purse Paparazzi:
The designers from Baltimore-based handbag purveyor Purse Paparazzi have added two pink-inspired clutches to their line this season. The bags feature pink accents and empowering slogans, and 10 percent of all proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation of Maryland. 443-449-4148, [email protected]
Ravens Think Pink:
Oct 11-14: During this Sunday’s game against the Browns, the Ravens are adding a pop of pink to their uniforms with special cleats, gloves, wristbands, and towels, but that’s not all that they’re doing to support the fight. The team will also host an on-field survivor tribute prior to kickoff and distribute more than 50,000 pink ribbons to fans as they enter the stadium. Additionally, on Oct. 13 the cheerleaders and Poe will participate in the NFL’s “A Crucial Catch” initiative promoting regular screenings at The Family Health Centers of Baltimore, and on Oct. 14 the organization will host a special “Twisted Paint” night at M&T Bank Stadium for patients and survivors. Multiple locations including 1101 Russell Street