October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and many New England businesses are doing amazing things to promote breast cancer awareness this fall. Although breast cancer is the most common form of cancer faced by women, many high-risk women still are not being screened regularly and thoroughly for the disease. If you'll be spending time in New England this fall, look for opportunities to support the fight against breast cancer. Some of these offers are fun, others will save you money, and all raise funds for a great cause.
1. Celebrate Life at Flames of Hope WaterFire
© 2010 Kim Knox Beckius
2. Deck Out a Boyfriend, Husband, Brother or Male Friend
Media photo courtesy of CuffLinks.com.
Even if you don't know the difference between a fumble and a field goal, CuffLinks.com is having a special you can get behind! For $60, you can purchase a set of New England Patriots cufflinks with pink ribbons behind the team emblems. Ten percent of proceeds go to breast cancer research, so these make a great gift both for a special guy and for patients battling breast cancer.
3. Kick Back and Relax With a Pink Martini
© 2010 Kim Knox Beckius
Planning a fall stay in the Newport, Rhode Island, area? Be sure to stop by the Hyatt Regency Newport for a Pink Martini in the Five33 Lounge all month long. A portion of the proceeds from each cocktail sold will benefit the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Each Saturday at 3 p.m. in the lobby, you can also participate in a mixology session and learn to make this pink drink. You can also enjoy a complimentary Pink Martini when you book a massage, facial or mani/pedi combo at the hotel's Stillwater Spa in October. While you're at the spa, purchase an Alex & Ani HOPE and BEACON bracelet, and 20 percent will support the Gloria Gemma Foundation.
There's more! The Hyatt Regency Newport has gone so far as to bathe its entrance and pool in pink light for the month of October. And donations to the Gloria Gemma Foundation will be gladly accepted during Sweet Treats fundraisers in the lobby each Saturday from noon until 2 p.m. For details about these Breast Cancer Awareness Month events, call the hotel at 401-851-3322. For spa reservations, call 401-851-3225.
4. Support the Cause and New England's NFL Team
The New England Patriots Pro Shop has a line-up of items sporting both the team logo and the pink ribbon--symbol of breast cancer awareness--available for purchase online, and when you shop in October, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the cause. Purchase pins, hats, shirts, bags--even a Pink Hoody Bear or the official NFL pink ribbon football--as gifts or to show your own support.5. Donate a Bra to Athena's Cup
A Rhode Island company called Athena's Home Novelties is asking women to donate bras, along with $5, for their breast cancer promotion, which they call Athena's Cup. With the donated bras linked together, Athena's Home Novelties is hoping to educate women and spark discussion about the issue of breast cancer: They're also hoping to set a world record! Even if you can't get to New England this month, your "retired" bras can enjoy a vacation and be a part of this fun fundraising campaign.
6. Save with Your PinkCard
At Tanger outlet centers in Kittery, Maine; Tilton, New Hampshire; and Westbrook, Connecticut; shoppers can purchase a PinkCard for a $1 donation, then receive 25% off a single item at participating outlet stores with the card. Buy as many PinkCards as you like! PinkCards can also be purchased online. Cards will be available through October 25, and all funds go to local charitable breast cancer beneficiaries. What better excuse could there be to go on a shopping spree?
7. Hop on Your Bike for the Pink Party & Ride
On Saturday, October 6, 2012, Green Mountain Harley-Davidson in Essex Junction, Vermont, sponsors a Freeze the Ta-Tas group motorcycle ride and after-party to raise awareness and support Making Strides Against Cancer. For information, call 802-878-4778.8. Rock Out During Pinktober at the Hard Rock Café Boston
Pinktober is a chain-wide event hosted by the Hard Rock Café every October. This is Pinktober's 13th year, and events held in cities nationwide—including Boston—will benefit breast cancer research. Reserve your tickets now for Pinktober Chix Rock, a night of live music at the Hard Rock Café in Boston on October 6, 2012. The Boston Hard Rock will also host a Pinktober event featuring The Liz Borden Band, Sara Leketa & The Laura Cheadle Band on Friday, October 19, 2012 at 8:30 p.m. There is a $15 cover charge, with proceeds benefiting the Ellie Fund, a Massachusetts organization that fights breast cancer and helps patients and families cope with the disease.
