RAPID RIVER, Mich. (WZMQ) – This is the second week of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which means the annual Delta County Cancer Alliance Pink Fest is in full swing.
Each week, community members gather at a local pub to raise money for the Cancer Alliance, which provides financial support, mobility and nutritional aids, wigs, and other resources for cancer patients. Attendees enjoy specialty pink drinks, receive educational information, and participate in the Bras for a Cause contest.
Prior to October, more than 20 bras were purchased by local businesses and organizations. The bras were all decorated with unique themes, and they are put on display at every Pink Fest event. At $2 per vote or $3 for five votes, Delta County Cancer Alliance President Gayle DeShambo says it is a fun way to help those facing a cancer diagnosis.
“The ability of people and their talent decorating is amazing,” she said. “It’s really a good feeling because we do so much for the community. For people to come forward and spend time and give us their financial support so we can give it back is very meaningful.”
Pink Fest kicked off last week at Chenier’s Reef in Escanaba. This week’s event was hosted by the Rapid River Pub. Owner Tom Szocinski says the cause is near to his heart, so he wanted to do his part to support the Cancer Alliance once again this year.
“Cancer awareness is really huge to me, having some family members having battled cancer and lost some to cancer,” said Szocinski. “Also, in my full-time career as a scientist, I study contaminants that cause cancer, so for me it’s being able to be on this side of the cause of it and trying to help raise money and awareness of this. It’s just a really good event.”
Pink Fest continues next Thursday, October 16, at Cat-Man-Do’s in Escanaba. The festivities will wrap up with a bra auction at the Highland Golf Club on Thursday, October 23.
For more information on Pink Fest, click here or visit the Delta County Cancer Alliance Facebook page. Anyone who cannot make it to a Pink Fest event but would like to vote in the Bras for a Cause contest can do so remotely by calling the Daily Press at (906) 786-2021 extension 101.
