SAN CAP PINK PROJECT
\nThe San Cap Pink Project will hold its Annual Pink Out Picnic: Health & Hope Wellness Expo on Oct. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s Station 171 on Sanibel.<\/p>\n
It is estimated that 316,950 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States this year, as well as 59,080 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer, the National Breast Cancer Foundation reports. An estimated 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.<\/p>\n
In 2025, an estimated 42,170 women and 510 men will die from breast cancer.<\/p>\n
On Oct. 23, the San Cap Pink Project will host the Annual Pink Out Picnic: Health & Hope Wellness Expo from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District\u2019s Station 171. The event aims to celebrate and honor cancer survivors, fighters and caregivers and to raise funds to help members in the community with their cancer-related needs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an opportunity for the community to come together and honor and celebrate anyone in their life, in the community, who has gone through any type of cancer journey,\u201d San Cap Pink Project Board President and event chair Ann Neubauer said. \u201cIt\u2019s an opportunity for us to gather together and have fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event initially stemmed from then-Sanibel Fire Chief Dan Duncan asking about how to get Radiology Regional Center\u2019s Mobile Mammo coach at the fire station and raising awareness for the cause. The organization of the event unfolded from there, and it has become an annual tradition.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has turned into a communitywide awareness event where we have our same original mission, which is helping people get mammograms, but it has grown expediently to include help from there,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
All funds raised support uninsured and underinsured community members with breast cancer-related needs as the San Cap Pink Project is dedicated to supporting the islands\u2019 residents and employees.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are used for any Sanibel or Captiva resident or employee who needs a mammogram or financial assistance for a mammogram, or maybe they need financial assistance for other cancer related needs,\u201d Neubauer said, noting that it could be help paying for a wig or covering rent because they have to take off of work. \u201cAll of those little areas where there\u2019s gaps in your insurance, that\u2019s what we\u2019re here for.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe help the uninsured, the underinsured and the overwhelmed,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s event will feature a free lunch for all, courtesy of Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant.<\/p>\n
Provided refreshments will include pink lemonade and water.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone is welcome to come out and enjoy lunch,\u201d Neubauer said. \u201cDonations, of course, are accepted.\u201d<\/p>\n
The expo portion will feature nearly two dozen health and wellness experts.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have quite a number of wellness vendors from the islands and right off island that are there to help you round out your entire health,\u201d she said, noting that whole health is especially important for those going through cancer. \u201cTreating all of those different areas is what\u2019s important to your overall help.\u201d<\/p>\n
From yoga and acupuncture, to mental well-being and fitness, they will share information with attendees, as well as talk about their offerings and services.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are all very enthusiastic about supporting the cancer needs of our community,\u201d Neubauer said.<\/p>\n
Attendees can capture the memories with a 360-photo booth.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe haven\u2019t had the 360 booth before, so we\u2019re excited about that,\u201d she said. \u201cThat should create a lot of fun and funny photos for people to enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Deejay Judy is returning for the event to provide live music.<\/p>\n
\u201cA little surprise, we might even have some choreographed dancing,\u201d Neubauer said.<\/p>\n
Also, every vendor will bring a basket to raffle off. Attendees can purchase tickets to win them.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose are going to be goodies, merchandise, maybe gift certificates,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The sponsors for this year\u2019s event include Bank of the Islands, the Bondurant Family Team, Cypress Living, Kingfisher Real Estate and Vacation Rentals, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, Sanibel fire district, Superior Title Services, The Starr Team, and Wickies.<\/p>\n