Turning the Town Pink

As the chairperson for the 2010 Komen Indy Race for the Cure, I get to do some pretty cool things, work with incredible volunteers and I get to see first-hand all of the support that comes from corporations, organizations and individuals. The latest support comes in the form of businesses participating in Paint the Town Pink.

In 2005, Komen incorporated Paint the Town Pink into its annual Race. It was designed to help businesses raise awareness of the Race and breast cancer to their employees and patrons. It also was a unique way for businesses to support Komen. This year, more than 20 Paint the Town Pink entries have been submitted - all of which will be judged over the next few days (winners to be announced Apr. 14).

One of the great things about the program is its educational component. Participating businesses had to incorporate one very important message: “In the United States, a woman has about a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime” into their décor. So now, not only are they raising awareness about the Race for the Cure, but they’re helping to educate the public.

All entries have been collected (deadline was last Friday) and a panel of volunteer judges will review and select winners from various categories. As Race chair – and as one of the volunteer judges, I got a sneak peak at some of the entries:

• Inspired by the fact that one person can make an impact, one individual decided to decorate his cubicle. His employer wasn’t participating, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t.
• One business owner, who is very quiet about being a breast cancer survivor, became a loud and proud supporter of Paint the Town Pink. Her employees helped decorate their entire storefront.
• Paint the Town Pink has reached several surrounding county businesses and for the first time we’ve had more entries from businesses in Carmel, Columbus, Elwood, Greenwood, Plainfield, and Rushville.

Some of the entries are very visible – like the bras hanging from Little Red Door Cancer Agency, along Meridian St. and pink ribbons that can be seen as you pass several Starbucks locations throughout town (104 locations). Some, however, are seen only by employees and patrons – like the decorated treadmill at Anytime Fitness at 86th and Ditch and the strip of cars by Regenstrief Institute with the clever race theme and message “dangerous curves ahead”.

This will be a fun week as I get the privilege of reviewing the applicants. And while the judges will select just one winner in each category, I truly believe everyone is a winner! Thanks to everyone who participated. Not only are you helping us raise awareness about the Race for the Cure (Apr. 17), but you’re helping us educate the public about a very important organization and cause.

Stop by these participating Paint the Town Pink participants: Borders Bookstore, Columbus Regional Hospital - Breast Health Center, Columbus Regional Hospital - Emergency Department, Conseco Insurance Co. (Jeremiah Shelton’s cubical), Creation Café, Curves Eagle Creek, Cummins Fuel Systems, CVS Pharmacy (Elwood), Dream Dinners, Little Red Door Cancer Agency, Minton-Capehart Federal Building, Regenstrief Institute, Rush Memorial Hospital, Starbucks (104 Indiana Locations), The AVON Store, Underwater Unlimited, Inc., Walker & Associates Insurance (won its category last year and has participated since 2006), Wellspring Pharmacy – North, West 86th Hair Designs (won its category last year) and West 86th Street Anytime Fitness.