Businesses go pink to help breast cancer research

October is a time of unity, action, and education across the country for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In Alabama, many businesses and organizations are going a step further to raise money for local, lifesaving breast cancer research across the state.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA) has partnered with more than 25 groups from schools to car dealerships, banks to real estate brokerages, who want to make a meaningful difference. Funds raised by BCRFA partners will support breakthroughs in breast cancer diagnostics, treatments, and prevention methods that ultimately save lives. All money stays in Alabama, but the impact is worldwide.

“The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama takes pride in its role of advancing local research and raising awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to ensure a healthier future for all,” said President & CEO Beth Davis. “Witnessing our partners unite behind our mission fills me with inspiration and hope for a future without breast cancer, all thanks to pioneering research.”

In 2022, BCRFA invested more than $1.275 million in 24 groundbreaking projects across seven Alabama-based institutes, thanks in part to its Breast Cancer Awareness Month partners. The organization is set to unveil its 2023 grant awards in December, further emphasizing its commitment to fostering life-saving research.

“Funding for research remains absolutely crucial,” Davis said. “But Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also a poignant time to celebrate the triumphs of breast cancer survivors, pay tribute to those we’ve lost, and, most importantly, rally others to join the fight against this disease that touches so many.”

One in eight women and one in 1,000 men will face a breast cancer diagnosis at some point in their life. In Alabama alone, this year will see an estimated 4,500 women diagnosed and 720 lives lost. However, largely due to investments in research and early detection — breast cancer death rates are on a downward trajectory. Thirty years ago, 4 out of 5 breast cancer patients succumbed to the illness. Today, these numbers have reversed, with 4 out of 5 breast cancer patients triumphing over cancer.

In addition to business and community partners, the BCRFA is also eager to partner with individuals eager to join the fight against breast cancer. People can participate at any of the community events below.

For those without an event nearby, supporting BCRFA is as simple as donating, getting the Breast Cancer Research license plate, picking up pink apparel at the BCRFA shop, or even organizing their own fundraiser.

BCRFA-Hosted Breast Cancer Awareness Events 

• Revvin’ 4 Research (Pelham) – Hundreds of motorcyclists from across the state will join the fight against breast cancer Sunday at the 15th Annual Revvin’ 4 Research Charity Motorcycle Ride presented by Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson and Process Barron. Registration includes a 65-mile police escorted ride through scenic Shelby, Jefferson, and St. Clair counties, t-shirt, and post-ride meal. The ride starts and ends at Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson in Pelham. Details and registration at revvin4research.com.
• CahabaQue (Birmingham) – On Oct. 7, Cahaba Brewing Company and the BCRFA team up for the fall CahabaQue BBQ cook-off — a day of BBQ, beer, and bragging rights. Guests will enjoy all-you-can-eat samples from nearly a dozen teams’ BBQ offerings, craft beer, and live music. Tickets and info at cahabaque.com.
• Calera Goes Pink (Calera) – Join the City of Calera as they go pink to support breast cancer research in Alabama throughout the month of October. This city-wide event includes the Calera High School vs. Briarwood Christian School football game Oct. 13 and a golf tournament Oct. 15 at Timberline Golf Club. Details at caleragoespink.com.
• Pink Up The Pace 5K and Fun Run (Mountain Brook) – On Oct. 22, lace up your sneakers to raise funds and awareness for local, life-saving breast cancer research at the 6^th Annual Pink Up the Pace 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run presented by Benton Nissan and ABC 33/40. Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome in both events. Stick around for post-race fun with music, refreshments, and children’s activities including face painting and an inflatable obstacle course. Registration and info at bcrfa.org/events/putp.

 Community Partner Breast Cancer Awareness Events 

• American Roads – (four locations) – American Roads is hosting walks Oct. 1 in Montgomery, Orange Beach, Tuscaloosa, Wetumpka and donating 100% of the proceeds to the BCRFA.
• ARC Realty “Blue Goes Pink” (Birmingham area/statewide) – ARC Realty will donate $25 for each new property listing in October while encouraging employees and agents to raise funds and awareness. ARC is also partnering with Birmingham area restaurants throughout October. Participating restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds from their Blue Goes Pink night to the campaign.
• Atrox Factory -Throughout October, Atrox Factory will be selling pink, co-branded shirts and tumblers and donating 100% of the proceeds to the BCRFA.
• Capstone Realty “Blue Goes Pink” (Huntsville area/statewide) – Capstone Realty will donate $25 for each new property listing in October while encouraging employees and agents to raise funds and awareness.
• Cutter’s Cigars (Tuscaloosa) – Cutter’s Cigars will sell pink shirts throughout October and donate the proceeds to the BCRFA.
• Cyndicates Brotherhood (Pinson) – Cyndicates Brotherhood will host the Teresa K. Hart Memorial Motorcycle Ride on Oct. 7 at Riders Harley-Davidson. The event features food trucks, a silent auction, and band. All proceeds will be donated to the BCRFA.
• Evolve Fitness “Yoga by the Lake for Pink” (Vincent, AL) – On Oct. 14 from 9-11 a.m.,  Evolve Fitness hosts a special yoga session and brunch to raise money for the BCRFA.
• First Metro Bank “Pink-Out Campaign” (North Alabama) – First Metro Bank will host several breast cancer awareness events at their 11 branch locations in the Florence, Muscle Shoals, and Athens area.
• GripStarz “Pink Out the State Tour” (statewide) – Gripstarz is hosting a statewide car cruise featuring car shows throughout the state throughout October. Guests are invited to make a donation and sign the banner to show their support.
• J. McLaughlin “Think Pink” Sip & Shop (Mountain Brook) – On Oct. 5, J. McLaughlin will donate 15% of all sales from their location at The Summit to the BCRFA. Patrons will also enjoy complimentary sparkling water, Prosecco, and light bites while they shop.
• Reignite Chiropractic (Hoover) – Throughout October, Reignite Chiropractic will tell t-shirts and donate 100% of the proceeds to the BCRFA.
• Renasant Bank (statewide) – Twenty-four Renasant branches across Alabama are raising funds through community fundraisers, t-shirt sales, and donations from the public and to support the BCRFA and Alabama breast cancer research.
• Standard Heating, Cooling & Plumbing (Birmingham area) – Throughout October, Standard Heating, Cooling & Plumbing will donate $5 per service ticket to the BCRFA
• Stokes Automotive (Clanton) – Stokes Automotive will donate $100 for every car sold during October.
• Tameron Automotive (Hoover and Gadsden) – Tameron Hyundai and Honda in Hoover and Tameron Honda Gadsden are donating $100 to the BCRFA for every car they sell during October.
• Wet Willie’s (Mobile) – Stop in to Wet Willie’s on Oct. 14 (7 p.m. to midnight) for drinks, munchies and more and a portion of your purchase will be donated to the BCRFA, or drop in anytime in October to snag Wet Willies pink ribbon merch benefitting the BCRFA.
• Wind Creek Casino & Hotel “Make a Change” (Wetumpka) – Wind Creek Wetumpka guests are encouraged to donate their change throughout October with all proceeds supporting the BCRFA. Proceeds from an employee t-shirt sale  will also be donated.

Additional community events and partners participating via internal fundraisers include:

• 24e Health Club (Pelham)
• Amerex (Trussville)
• Childersburg Elks Lodge No. 2295
• Hubbell Power Systems (Leeds)
• Kamtek MAGNA (Birmingham)
• Spain Park High School (Birmingham)
• The Pink Print (Tuscaloosa)
• TowBoat USS Mobile (Mobile)
• Tuggle Elementary School (Birmingham)