Robyn Dobson
Oct 4, 2023
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and local organization Thriving Pink is hosting a host of events to support the community and raise awareness.
Thriving Pink is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization that aims to support and serve those in Yolo County impacted by breast cancer by providing a network of support and resources.
“Breast cancer impacts all of us, our families, friends, neighbors and co-workers, and we all need to be aware of this disease, our individual risks, what we can do to reduce our risks and resources available for support,” said Joni Rubin, Thriving Pink board chair. “Awareness is the key to early detection and treatment.”
Founded in 2016, Thriving Pink has been a longtime advocate of local breast cancer patients and survivors through their tireless work to provide programs, workshops, renewal retreats and financial grants through their Granting Pink program.
Throughout “Pinktober,” community members interested in supporting the organization or those a part of the breast cancer community can get involved in the various events, including breast cancer awareness walks, a flower arrangement class, a silent auction and a Zumbathon fundraiser.
“Partnerships with local businesses have given us the visibility and support to take our message, outreach and services to the entire community,” emphasized Leslie Hunter, executive director.
Thriving Pink will be holding a Pinktober silent auction. Community members can stop by the Thriving Pink office at 501 2nd St. in Davis at any point during the month to bid on four special silent auction items.
Prizes include a three-day, two-night stay at a townhouse in Avila Beach and a Séka Hills mill tour and olive oil/wine tasting for ten guests. Other prizes include a handmade quilt crafted by local volunteers and a one-of-a-kind artist’s proof titled “Daisys” from Tim Collom.
Those interested in bidding can also do so by emailing info@thrivingpink.org or during the 2nd Friday Art About on Oct. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m.
The Davis Food Co-op and Davis ACE Hardware will be hosting a “Round-up at the Register” for the entire month of October. Customers are asked to round up their purchase to the next dollar, with the extra cents being donated to Thriving Pink.
The Woodland Police Officers’ Association, in partnership with the Woodland Law Enforcement Assistance Foundation, will be selling pink patches for the entire month. Patches are $10, with all proceeds going to Thriving Pink, and can be purchased from the Woodland Police Department lobby.
On Oct. 6 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Beamer Elementary School, residents can join representatives from the Woodland City Council, Woodland’s sister city La Piedad in Mexico, Beamer students, teachers and families and other community members for the Sister City Bi-National Walk for Breast Cancer.
A different awareness walk will also be held on Oct. 21 at Northstar Pond, located at 3500 Anderson Rd. in Davis.
“As a breast cancer survivor, I can tell you that the generosity and support we receive from the local business community lets me know that I am not alone in my journey. There is an entire community with me,” Rubin said.
Other events this month include:
-Circle Z Farms will be donating 20% of flower profits to Thriving Pink during the entire month of October. Flowers can be purchased at Lucy’s Cafe & Farm Pantry at 16850 Yolo Ave. in Esparto or by contacting circlezfarmers@gmail.com or (530) 591-2501 for special orders.
-Kohakutou Candy will be donating October proceeds to Thriving Pink.
-Trifecta Beauty, located at 1411 W Covell Blvd. in Davis will donate $1 per customer to Thriving Pink. A tip jar for Thriving Pink will also be available as well as $10 off lymphatic facials.
-Oct. 8: Book reading and signing by Jan Adrian, author of “Coloring Outside the Lines: Surviving & Thriving with Cancer for 30+ Years,” at Avid Bookstore, 617 2nd St. in Davis, from 3 to 4 p.m.
-Oct. 13 – 15: Wear pink and get 5% off purchases from Sassafras Beauty, 1441 W Covell Blvd. in Davis, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A percentage of all sales will also be donated to Thriving Pink.
-Oct. 14: Pilates for Pink at Balance Point Pilates, 760 5th St. in Davis, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
-Oct. 15: Lavender Care class at Capay Valley Lavender, 20472 Rd. 79 in Capay, from 1 to 4 p.m. Thriving Pink will receive 33% of class costs.
-Oct. 20: Shop at The Wardrobe, 117 D St. in Davis, from 12 to 6 p.m., when 20% of sales will go to Thriving Pink.
-Oct. 20: Winters High School football game, 909 Grant Ave. in Winters, at 7:30 p.m. A portion of Pink Out sales from the night will be donated to Thriving Pink.
-Oct. 20: FIT House Fundraiser at FIT House, 302 G St. in Davis, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
-Oct. 24: Dos Night – Dos Coyotes Fundraiser at Dos Coyotes Border Cafe, 1411 W Covell Blvd. & 2191 Covell Blvd. in Davis, from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Present the event flyer (found on Thriving Pink’s Google Calendar) when purchasing meals & Thriving Pink will receive a portion of evening sales.
-Oct. 27: Zumbathon fundraiser at Get Fit Davis Sport, 1809 Picasso Ave. in Davis, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
-Oct. 29: Flower arrangement class at Circle Z Farms at 3 p.m. A $50 class fee will be paid upon arrival at Circle Z Farms on the day of and all proceeds will go to Thriving Pink.
“Our vision is that no one in Yolo County will go through breast cancer alone, whether they are newly diagnosed or in long-term survivorship,” Rubin explained. “Our goal during the month of October is to get the word out so that anyone who has had a breast cancer diagnosis knows that there is a community of support available. We also raise the bulk of our funds during the month of October, enabling us to provide no-cost services and programs for anyone in Yolo County impacted by breast cancer.”
For more information and ways to support Thriving Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, visit https://www.thrivingpink.org/.