THE EVENT
The atmosphere envelopes you the moment you walk through the doors for Project31’s annual gala Paint The Town Pink. The flowers and decorations, tables set for a plated dinner, the stage and music, while the auction items displayed and ready for the highest bidder all welcome you to this amazing evening. Though it is the people and the purpose that will make you want to calendar this event every October during breast cancer awareness month. When you look around during the cocktail hour you will see the reason we do this. Breast cancer survivors, patients, and thrivers greet each other with love and excitement, doting on dresses, high heels, wigs and hair growth. The emotional support and friendships are evident in those first moments before you even take your seat. Another glance around reveals medical professionals, business owners, and individuals with a vested interest in the breast cancer community and the vision of Project31.
THE HISTORY
As Project31 has evolved and expanded over the years, so has Paint The Town Pink. A glance at the yearly photo albums on project31.com will reveal multiple looks of the Paint The Town Pink. From a formal gala, to a “Drive-In” format during the health isolation, retro costume theme years, to a recent return of a more formal setting with a plated dinner while adding cocktails, live music, casino games, and live and silent auctions.
What began as the main annual event to honor breast cancer survivors while bringing attention to the mission and needs of the organization, Paint The Town Pink has become the flagship fundraiser for Project31 which helps fund multiple survivor events throughout Oklahoma during all months of the year.
THE GOAL
Paint The Town Pink is an event that will steal your heart, open your pocketbook, and allow you to see first-hand the impact you are making on breast cancer survivors and their loved ones through in-person and virtual support groups, survivor events, counseling scholarships, and care packages that allow critical emotional and physical healing beyond breast cancer.
Though the format for Paint The Town Pink has evolved to include everything from block parties to paddle sweeps, the mission of Project31 remains the same: we exist to Embrace, Educate, and Empower women and families affected by breast cancer to live fully restored lives and we cannot wait to see you in October! For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, visit project31.com/paint-the-town-pink
– Written by Stephanie Krenn, Project31 Leadership Team