By Michael Howell
October is here. The days are growing shorter and colder. The leaves are turning shades of red and orange. And businesses everywhere are turning pink. Yes, pink is now a regular fall color as businesses in the Bitterroot band together with the community and support the annual Sprinkle Pink campaign aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer and raising funds to combat it.
Dan Severson, owner of Valley Drug and Variety in Stevensville, is excited about the event. He said not many causes get a $1 for $1 match on all contributions, but Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital is doing just that, donating a dollar to match every dollar donated by someone else.
“Every year a few of the people that get these mammographies end up testing positive and then get the help they need,” said Severson. “In this case the money goes straight to the cause. There are zero costs for administration and the money goes directly to help local people. It’s a great thing to know that your dollar may save somebody’s life.”
The drugstore has a few special events planned, according to employee Sharon Thompson. A soup fundraiser is planned for October 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The homemade soup, muffins and desserts are all made by the staff at Valley Drug.
“We are all great cooks, too,” said Thompson. The event will be held in the store’s soda fountain.
Then, on Thursday, October 23 starting at 11 a.m. on the sidewalk in front of the store, it’s Burgers for Boobs. Barbequed hamburgers will be served and donations accepted.
“We will be doing take-out orders and serving drive-throughs,” said Thompson.
Every Tuesday during the month of October the staff will be wearing tutus and $2 will be donated to the cause for every customer who comes in the store wearing a tutu on a Tuesday.
There will be 50 cents off on pink ice cream all month.
All the money raised in the Sprinkle Pink campaign goes to the Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital’s Aid for Mammography program. Clinical breast exams are offered for free as well as two follow up exams if needed.
Some other events planned around the valley include a wine tasting at the Wild Mare in Corvallis on Wednesday, October 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. Ten dollars will get you some appetizers and the opportunity to try five different wines.
The “Power of Pink” variety show will take place Saturday, October 4 at 7 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center in Victor. The show captures the spirit of “Pink” awareness in an entertaining, inspirational and healthy, family-friendly atmosphere. This year’s “Mammo Men” will be introduced. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce, Paper Clip, Farmers State Bank, Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital or online at mdmh.org. Tickets are $10 each or $25 Family (2 adults and 2 children-8 and under).
Caffé Firenze in Florence will be hosting their “Spruzzare (sprinkle) Rosa (pink)” dinner on Monday, October 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. so come and enjoy the atmosphere, dinner and drinks, all while supporting Breast Cancer Awareness. Specials include Strawberry Spinach Salad, Pink Salmon Farfalle, Beef Tenderloin & Fettuccini Alfredo, and Pink Chocolate Cake. Pink non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages include Pink Mimosas, Pink Cosmos, and Pink Wine Spritzers. One pink complimentary beverage is included with your dinner!
“It’s incredible to see how Ravalli County has rallied around Sprinkle Pink,”
said Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital Marketing Director Amy James-Linton, who is spearheading the Sprinkle Pink campaign. “No one in Ravalli County should go without a mammogram,” and now cost won’t be a determining factor.