Welcome to our blog series, Go Beyond Pink! That's a name we use at Here for the Girls to describe the fun-tastic fundraisers our supporters host for us (or with us)! This series is all about Go Beyond Pink -- why people do it, who's got neat ideas, and how you can participate. And of course, the point of these events is to support our mission to improve the lives of young women affected by breast cancer. To learn more about how to go "beyond pink" with us or to volunteer at any of our events, contact vicki.vawter@hereforthegirls.org.
No matter what October means to you, it’s coming fast. And like a tsunami, pink waves of ribbons in all shapes and forms will decorate the isles of stores, packaging, products, and event flyers across your communities. It’s a thing of beauty, right? Well, kinda. As a nonprofit, we relish the idea that so many people, businesses, and groups want to support our cause and the women we serve -- not just in October, but the rest of the year too. We call this desire to support us "going Beyond Pink" because it's not just about wearing the ribbon; it's about taking action.
In our H4TG culture, we use the pink heart versus the pink ribbon because for us it IS all about the love! To us, the love our supporters show us by hosting Go Beyond Pink events means obtaining much needed funds to provide more resources for women diagnosed with breast cancer, expand our programs and retreats (at no cost to participants), better equip our facilitators who are directly engaged with these women, and (let’s be honest) pay for office space, for ink cartridges, technology needs, and so much more. If participating in the events of October by hosting a profit share, donating, or creating an event "For the Girls" is calling to your heart – let me thank you in advance! If you support us during other months of the year too, may I just say, “You Rock!” We need this support and we are most grateful.
But, what really brings a smile to my face is something else. Most certainly the money raised is crucial and the chance to see the enthusiasm at each event and make new friends is so special, but it’s also something MUCH more. It’s the opportunity -- no, the honor -- to make even just one woman who’s facing the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis feel that she is not alone in this fight. It’s knowing that because of this month and our chance to get our name out there even more than normal, someone new may find a sisterhood full of women who have been there. Scars and all – skin deep or hidden inside. She will find that Here for the Girls offers a sense of hope, a place to ask questions, a network of ladies who understand, an opportunity to encourage others just by listening, or just a place to vent frustrations before heading back to work or to take care of her family.
So bring on the craziness of Pink-tober, we can handle it! We are all in this together and thanks to our supporters, donors, and friends in the communities we serve, it’s going to be a great month and we thank you from the bottom of our ‘pink’ hearts.
Vicki
Program + Community Relations Manager