October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, when many businesses and nonprofits in the Napa Valley and around the country take extra steps part to support national organizations that are fighting for a cure.
One of the most original fundraisers comes from an unusual source: Thirteen Napa High School football players posed for a breast cancer awareness poster, according to Napa Valley Patch reader Jodi Palmer, who tells us that 100 percent of the proceeds will go directly to the American Cancer Society and that the photo was taken by Rick Manahen of Napa Valley Sports. Find out more at https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=416228111757549&set=a.110077862372577.4251.109712099075820&type=1&theater
The Chandon 7th Annual Pink Party for Breast Cancer Awareness & Detection is this Friday at Domaine Chandon, 1 California Dr, Yountville, starting at 7 p.m. For $100.00 you get sparkling wine, food from étoile Restaurant, dancing, a silent auction, and a photo booth; the party benefits breast cancer programs at Queen of the Valley Medical Center Foundation and "encourages 'pink' participation with attire, appearance and generosity."
And all month at Chandon, the National Breast Cancer Foundation benefits from donations of $1 for each bottle of Chandon Rosé or Reserve Pinot Noir Rosé sold and $1 for every "like" on the Chandon Facebook page.
Another one of the local businesses taking part is 1313 Main in Napa, which has planned a month-long fundraising event called "In The Pink" to benefit the Queen's programs and breast cancer research.
The sculpture Big Pink, in the form of a giant pink brassiere, is mounted atop the 1313 Main tower, illuminated by pink lights, and posted on eBay for bidding.
At midnight, October 31, "it will be unhooked and delivered to the highest bidder," according to an announcement from 1313 Main that continues,
Proceeds from "In the Pink" events and sales, including the sale of Big Pink, will go to benefit Queen of the Valley Foundation's Cancer Wellness Program - designed to complement cancer therapy by strengthening the body, enriching the mind, and nurturing hope and courage. Services are generously available to all cancer patients, regardless of economic level, through the support of the Queen of the Valley Foundation.
1313 Main is also hosting its first In The Pink & Black Halloween Gala, Wednesday, October 31 at 9 p.m. Tickets are $100.00. From the announcement in our calendar:
End October in Style! Dress up in Pink & Black, don your favorite Masquerade mask, and head on down to 1313 Main. The Halloween Ball tickets ($100 per person) benefit Breast Cancer Research & Queen of the Valley Hospital.
There will be a DJ, dancing, Photo booth, small bites, sparkling, wine, and general merriment. We will have raffle prizes, and awards for best "costume."
Do you know of another breast cancer benefit in the Napa Valley? Add it to our calendar and tell us in the comments!
Along with our local merchants' efforts, research centers like Susan G. Komen for the Cure are selling pink ribbon merchandise and it’s a twofer — retail therapy and donating to a cause that affects millions.
You can also support breast cancer research by affixing a special stamp to your mail. The U.S. Postal Service has been selling a stamp commemorating breast cancer awareness for the past 15 years. The agency has raised $75 million so far for research programs at the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense.
The American Cancer Society’s annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk is organized nationwide and so far more than 8 million people have walked for this cause and raised about $460 million.
And you can join people from four continents in a Race for the Cure event organized by Susan G. Komen For The Cure, or an Avon Walk For Breast Cancer event organized by the Avon Foundation for Women.
TELL US: Is there a special event you participate in to support breast cancer research? Share your stories and thoughts with us by adding them to the comments sections of this article. Also, be sure to add photos of you and your friends supporting the cause to the photo gallery above.
