Is your school or athletic team looking for a worthwhile organization to partner with during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October?
Almost everyone knows someone whose life has been affected by breast cancer. The physical and emotional toll of breast cancer is well known. However, the financial impact of the diagnosis is not. Many individuals who are diagnosed with breast cancer have extra financial burdens placed on them during treatment and recovery. Common issues are mortgage/rent, utilities, car payments, insurance, transportation, and expenses related to childcare.
Shades of Pink Foundation is a local nonprofit that offers temporary financial assistance to breast cancer patients across Southeast Michigan by providing prompt funding for daily living expenses. We provide services to residents of Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. Since 2005, Shades of Pink Foundation has assisted more than 1,000 individuals and their families as they navigate the high costs of a breast cancer diagnosis. Thanks to the generous support of community members, we have distributed over $2.5 million of financial support throughout Southeast Michigan. Our Charity Navigator Encompass Rating is 100.
School-wide activities that engage students beyond the classroom are a great way to raise awareness around breast cancer and its impact. Students whose parents or other family members have been diagnosed with breast cancer make great project leaders, and can help educate classmates and peers in meaningful ways. Events that also involve the surrounding community extend breast cancer outreach even further.
Hosting a special event or fundraiser at your school is a great way to support our organization. We will provide a logo for event flyers, program brochures, and social media promotion, if appropriate. The Foundation is proud to recognize our partners who are raising funds and recognition on our behalf by holding innovative community fundraisers during the month of October. Click here to view the 50+ local businesses, municipalities, schools and athletic teams that supported us last year.
Below are some simple breast cancer awareness and fundraising ideas that can be used throughout the school year, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, or to complement an in-class educational unit. Be creative and have fun, the possibilities are endless!
- "Pink Out” athletic event – donate proceeds from all concessions/admissions sold during a given game or event.
- Dress down/jeans/hat/pajama day – let the dress code take a break for the day and charge a nominal fee for the privilege of dressing down. This is a great way to let students (and teachers!) let loose and show their personality.
- 5K walk or run – collect pledges or donations for every lap/mile completed
- Bake sale – set up in the cafeteria before school and during lunch
- Send your mascot on a mission – collect donations at athletic events (be sure to make an announcement during halftime to let fans know to get their wallets ready)
- Booster Club t-shirt sale – set up a booth at sporting events, before and after school, or even at local businesses. Be sure to let patrons know where the profits are going.
- 50/50 raffle
- Penny challenge – have different school clubs, sports teams, grade levels or homerooms compete to see who can raise the most money
We look forward to partnering with you!
For more information on hosting a fundraising event to benefit Shades of Pink Foundation during the month of October or anytime during the school year,
please contact Nina Googasian, Executive Administrator, at (248) 729-3166 or executiveadministrator@shadesofpinkfoundation.org.