Courtesy of The City of Tallahassee Twitter account
The City of Tallahassee invited the community out to Cascades Park to “join the fight, and drink pink” on Thursday. The Leon County Government and the city came together to raise donations in support of breast cancer.
The Drink Pink event was the first event the city has ever had in honor of breast cancer awareness month.
The month of October is dedicated to increasing the awareness of the disease that affects both men and women. According to American Cancer Society, men can develop breast cancer, but the disease is 100 times more common among women.
In a friendly competition, teams took their prospective stands to outsell the pink rosewater lemonade, provided by The Edison restaurant, a favorite dining spot out at Cascades Park. Each side was pit against one another to see who could sell the most lemonade.
Heather Teter, public information specialist for the City of Tallahassee said, “We had some trash-talking between our commissioners but all in good fun, but the people who win are the people who really benefit from the Joanna Francis Living Well Foundation.”
All proceeds from the lemonade sales benefit the Joanna Francis Living Well Foundation. The organization provides support and financial assistance for those living with terminal breast cancer.
Nevelda Austin, who works for the city, expressed that the event held some significance in her life knowing a family member passed away from the disease and why she is in support of the cause.
“This event is a big celebration of life, and because it’s very known among woman, and the unknown is the biggest thing among woman,” said Austin. “Woman fail to get treated and early detection can be the difference between life or death.”
In efforts to partner with the city, the Tallahassee Police Department was also in attendance.
Public Information Officer, Dave Northway said, “We’re partnering with the city for the Drink Pink Event and we brought out our wrapped pink vehicle to show in support. We wrapped one car this year for the event and encouraged the staff to wear pink for a day.”
Every year the town “paints” notable sites pink in support of breast cancer. This year, City Hall will be illuminated pink Oct. 1-8. Throughout the city, departments will be hosting pink events all month.