There is still time to sign up for Saturday\u2019s race and walk to benefit Paint the Planet Pink. The most eye-catching of several events \u2014 men racing in high heels \u2014 is also on Saturday.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s probably the most fun thing that we do, because it is fun to watch,\u201d said President and CEO Barb Sciandra.<\/p>\n
On the serious side, the Pittston-based all-volunteer nonprofit hopes its series of events will raise $100,000.<\/p>\n
In its first 12 years, Paint the Planet Pink, originally called Paint Pittston Pink, has raised $1 million for research. It has primarily gone to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. All of this year\u2019s proceeds are headed there. While pink is associated with breast cancer, the donations fund research into cancer in general.<\/p>\n
Sciandra was successfully treated at the University of Pennsylvania after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, three months after giving birth to her third child.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery year it\u2019s such a humbling experience, watching the amount of support that we receive and our community coming together,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
![\"Erika](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/STT-L-PINK-0921-02.jpg\")
Erika Wenger, of Moosic, sports a colorful pink outfit for a past Paint the Planet Pink event in Scranton. Wenger\u2019s T-shirt is a reminder that many of those in attendance are cancer survivors, themselves. (GERI GIBBONS\/STAFF PHOTO)
\nRaces and walk<\/p>\n
The Color Me Pink 5K and Fun Walk begins Saturday at 11 a.m. in Courthouse Square, on Linden Street between North Washington Avenue and Adams Avenue.<\/p>\n
Around 200 people are already signed up.<\/p>\n
Online registration ends Friday, but registration will be open at the starting point. The fees are $39.44 for the 5K and $28.74 for the fun walk.<\/p>\n
Gentlemen\u2019s Dash<\/p>\n
The Gentlemen\u2019s Dash follows at noon. Paint the Planet Pink invites a handful of men who are active in the community. They will be collecting donations through Oct. 3. High heels are just the beginning. Some add tutus or other costume elements to their running gear.<\/p>\n
The runners making a short sprint down Linden Street include Shaun Daney, Dino Galella, Stephen Galella, Mason Gross, John Joyce, Russell Keeler, Anthony Macario and Jack Nealon. Check social media for Paint the Planet Pink and the men\u2019s personal social media for donation links.<\/p>\n
Last year\u2019s Gentlemen\u2019s Dash raised $47,952. Michael Capone won the race and Matthew Byrne raised the most money.<\/p>\n
Other events through Oct. 3<\/p>\n
Saturday\u2019s events begin at 9 a.m. with Mass and an award presentation at the University of Scranton\u2019s Madonna Della Strada Chapel. People of all faiths are invited.<\/p>\n
Also on the schedule are a cash and purse bingo event on Sunday, Sept. 27, at St. Maria Goretti Church Banquet Hall in Laflin; \u201990s trivia night and meat raffle on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Sabatini\u2019s Bottleshop in Exeter; and Paint the Red Mill Pink, a guest bartender happy hour, on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Red Mill in Pittston.<\/p>\n