What does it mean to "go beyond pink?" It’s a fair question. During the month of October, the pink is everywhere! We see pink ribbons on everything from coffee cups to cottage cheese and everything in between. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of fundraising for any organization, but sometimes the pink isn't doing what you think. I once picked up a pink lollipop in the shape of a ribbon off of a large display of pink products. Reading the label I found nothing about who the sale of this lollipop (and my hard-earned $1.19) would benefit. The label said in a tiny font, “proceeds benefit breast cancer awareness.” Awareness? Aren’t we all aware by now? And who is getting that money, exactly? As I walked away (with my $1.19 still in my pocket), I was thinking about how great it makes me feel to meet someone who is going BEYOND merely making us aware of what that pink ribbon means, beyond wearing some pink, and beyond even encouraging others to do the same. They are taking action to make a real change and raising funds to help "the girls" with breast cancer in a tangible way.That's what going beyond pink means to us! It's our supporters and partners who raise funds for our organization and the women we serve. They put our name on their promotional materials along with our mission statement, and often times they even share our website so that someone seeing that post, flyer, or product knows where to get support if they need it.
One example this month of "going beyond pink" is the simple profit share hosted by local brand consulting firm DesignHaus on behalf of our organization. Owner Julia Verden-Hillebrand wrote, "This is the beginning of a wonderful partnership with an amazing support network. DesignHaus has committed to support Here for the Girls and the opportunity to give back to the community and support a great cause by continuously donating 5% of ALL proceeds!” Now that’s what I call going beyond pink! Some of our other supporters and partners plan elaborate events like a recent bowling tournament hosted by Clubwaka or a Zumbathon recently hosted by Ironbound Gym, and others simply choose to collect donations throughout the month of October.
However you choose to support our mission and our women, H4TG appreciates each and every dollar, which we use to make a real difference in the lives of young women affected by breast cancer. And yes, we will sport some pink from time to time! It starts a conversation, and for that we are most grateful. In our logo you’ll notice a pink heart that was inspired by a pink ribbon. Why? Because we're all about the love! We love our ladies, we love our supporters, and we LOVE it when our friends go beyond pink – For the Girls!
- Vicki Vawter, H4TG Program and Community Relations Manager