Savannah Celebrates a Successful ‘Paint the Town Pink’ Campaign
The lovely city of Savannah has once again shown its heartfelt support for breast health awareness with the successful wrap-up of the 17th annual Paint the Town Pink campaign. This fantastic event culminated on Friday, November 15, at the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer and Research Pavilion, with a vibrant parade of checks amounting to nearly $70,000. The funds raised will go a long way in supporting the Telfair Mammography Fund, which provides free mammograms and vital breast health services to women in Savannah who are uninsured or underinsured.
Community Spirit Shines Bright
The amazing turnout and generosity of the Savannah community were on full display during the event, where schools and local residents came together to show their support. Students from the Habersham School showcased their dedication to the cause by raising more than $5,000. Meanwhile, the impressive efforts of students at St. Vincent’s Academy brought in an extraordinary $16,543 — a truly remarkable achievement!
But let’s not ignore the fantastic contribution from the residents of Latitude Margaritaville, who dug deep into their pockets to contribute almost $27,900. This amount stands as one of the largest single contributions to the fund in 2024. It’s truly heartwarming to see various segments of the community joining forces for such a worthwhile cause.
Awareness and Education at the Forefront
Paint the Town Pink is not just about fundraising; it’s also a powerful partnership between local organizations that aims to raise awareness throughout October. For two whole decades, the program has continued to make a significant impact on breast cancer awareness, education, and community support.
This year also featured the 22nd annual SmartWomen Luncheon and Expo, where the well-known Laila Ali took the stage as the keynote speaker. She delivered a motivating and impactful message emphasizing self-care, highlighting the importance of nutrition, rest, mental health, and overall wellness. This inspiring event raised a record-breaking $248,531, bringing the cumulative total raised over the past 20 years to a staggering $2,295,787!
Making a Difference, One Mammogram at a Time
Let’s not overlook the significant strides made in breast health services during this campaign. On Mammography Day on October 28, a remarkable number of 237 women across the region took advantage of free mammograms. This vital initiative is a testament to the commitment of local organizations to improve the lives of women in the Savannah community.
St. Joseph’s/Candler, a key player in this effort, is aligned with the National Community Oncology Research Program, one of only 30 programs in the state. This initiative helps broaden the range of participants involved in clinical trials, allowing nearly 60 patients annually in the coastal Georgia region to access revolutionary treatments and drugs that could change the future of breast cancer care.
Celebrating the Community’s Generosity
As the campaign drew to a close, the Savannah community couldn’t contain its excitement during the wrap-up event. The Savannah Morning News proudly announced the grand prize winner of the Paint the Town Pink campaign: the lucky Joyce Grimes from Savannah! Grimes won a fabulous two-night stay at the luxurious JW Marriott, complete with a generous food and beverage allowance and a delightful spa day to top it all off.
This year’s Paint the Town Pink campaign has ignited a spark of hope and compassion, reminding everyone about the importance of community support and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. As Savannah embraces another successful year, it’s evident that many hands make a mighty difference in the lives of women and families throughout the region.
