2 weeks Ago By By KELLEN M. QUIGLEY [email protected]
OLEAN, N.Y. — October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the ongoing mission of the Pink Pumpkin Project to make sure no one is fighting breast cancer alone is in full force.
Those feeling festively fall picked up decorative pumpkins at Pleasant Valley Greenhouse & Nursery, 2871 Route 16N, through the Pink Pumpkin Project (PPP) last weekend to spruce up their space and benefit a great cause at the same time. PPP is a 501©3 charitable organization operating under the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation (CRCF) to raise funds for distribution to individuals fighting breast cancer in local communities. It is entirely volunteer-based and donor-funded.
What started with one pumpkin in memory of one person — Lynn Anzivine founded the project in 2012 to honor her late sister, Laurie Anzivine Ogle — has turned into more than 10,000 pumpkins assisting thousands of individuals fighting breast cancer in the greater Olean area during the past 12 years. All of the pumpkins are sponsored by area businesses and residents, meaning the program had to pay nothing out of pocket and all proceeds go directly to the group, and Dan Spring of Pleasant Valley Greenhouse helps organize the pick-ups. In addition to the pumpkins, PPP will team up with local artist Eric Jones to host Ornamental Olean Halloween Experience at Pleasant Valley.
With four dates to choose from, attendees will take part in 3D pumpkin carving classes taught by Jones, take a selfie tour of the “haunted nursery,” participate in a costume contest with prizes and enjoy door prizes, refreshments and giveaways. All proceeds will benefit the PPP. All classes will be held 6 to 9 p.
m. Oct. 10, 14, 15 and 17.
Classes are all $60 per person and have a limited size of 65 people. All necessary items will be provided. Reserve your spot online at thepinkpumpkinproject.
org . The PPP offers emotional and financial support to those individuals fighting breast cancer in area communities. The group also provides totes with many items needed during treatment, along with a monetary donation.
“We have monthly support groups as well as extra activities and functions to keep everyone connected and remain a ‘family.’ Our job as a project never ends. We are available 24/7, to make sure NO ONE fights alone,” the group states.
If you know of someone currently going through breast cancer treatment within the organization’s defined local area, direct them to the nomination form found at thepinkpumpkinproject.org . Please note any aid requests must be submitted via the online form.
For more information, email [email protected] ..
