Shades of Pink Foundation (SOPF) is "teeing off" Breast Cancer Awareness Month with pink and powerful events to raise funds and recognition. The foundation's intentional series of events this October is an inclusive opportunity for everyone to support the SOPF mission of reducing financial stress for those in Southeast Michigan undergoing breast cancer treatment in a way that they connect with and feel most comfortable.
"Shades of Pink Foundation works tirelessly year-round to support those going through breast cancer treatment, but October is a special month for us. Our board feels strongly that we offer multiple ways people can participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month," said Mary Pat Meyers, board president, SOPF. "If you don't golf, come to our comedy benefit. If you can't make our comedy benefit, attend the shopping events. All support cancer patients undergoing treatment and you get to have a wonderful time doing something you'll love."
• "Pars Fore Pink" October 2
In its third year, the "Pars Fore Pink" golf outing is a popular fundraiser for the foundation, selling out in both previous years. The registration fee for this event is $400 and includes eighteen holes of golf, lunch and dinner at the Birmingham Country Club. Those who'd like to join the foundation just for dinner, can register for $100 each. Sponsorships of all kinds are still available. Those interested can register and purchase sponsorships at https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/ShadesofPinkFoundation/parsforepink2023-1.html.
Schedule includes:
10:30 a.m. Driving range and practice area open; lunch served on the terrace
12:30 a.m. 18 holes of golf with electronic leaderboard and on-course refreshments
5:30 p.m. Cocktails and dinner served
Birmingham Country Club is located at 1750 Saxon Dr. in Birmingham,.
SOPF thanks Event Chairs Susan Wayde and Patsy Hartmann. Those with questions about "Pars Fore Pink" can reach out to SOPF Board member Susan Wayde at (248) 727-7399.
• J. McLaughlin Think Pink Sip & Shop October 5
The modern classic lifestyle and fashion store is dedicating two of its locations to supporting SOPF, with 15% of all sales from the Grosse Pointe and Somerset Collection stores benefiting the foundation. This is the third year J. McLaughlin has partnered with SOPF for this fundraiser, providing a day of fall clothing and accessories shopping alongside drinks that puts the "fun" in fundraising. The event itself will take place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., but donations will be made all day long. Guests just need to mention they are shopping for the SOPF event.
McLaughlin is also taking phone-in orders that day to support SOPF. The Somerset location can be reached at 248-781-0116 and the Grosse Pointe location can be reached at 313-923-3101.
• Comedy Night with Tracy DeGraaf October 11
The SOPF comedy event is back this year with Tracy DeGraaf. A breast cancer survivor, DeGraaf is referred to as one of Chicago's best female comedians and speakers. In its second year of what is planned to be a longstanding tradition, the annual comedy event honors social workers, nurses, nurse navigators, patient navigators, office managers and other key individuals that help identify and assist breast cancer patients in need. Tickets are complimentary for these individuals and are available for $50 to the general public. The night of laughter at The Community House will be accompanied by a light dinner and a cash bar (beer and wine). The Community House is located at 380 South Bates Street in Birmingham.
Those interested in attending should register at www.shadesofpinkfoundation.org/events-2-1/annual-comedy-event.
Questions regarding the annual comedy event can be directed to SOPF Foundation Executive Administrator Nina Googasian at executiveadministrator@shadesofpinkfoundaiton.org.
In 2022, SOPF distributed over $283K to breast cancer patients in need, a 47% increase over 2021. With events like these, the foundation hopes to continue to cover everyday living expenses for more individuals in 2023 and beyond.
Both funds raised and individuals served have continued to increase. And this is all thanks to the continued support of SOPF's major donors, sponsors and volunteers who have been unwavering in their commitment to the foundation and those it serves.
Shades of Pink Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation. Its mission is to reduce financial stress for those undergoing breast cancer treatment in Southeast Michigan by providing prompt funding for everyday living expenses. More than 1,000 individuals and their families have been helped since its founding in 2005. For additional information, go to www.shadesofpinkfoundation.org.
