OCEAN CITY – Various shades of pink will be seen throughout
town next month, as the town participates in a nationwide, “Paint the town
Pink” campaign for breast cancer awareness.
The resort will
celebrate breast cancer awareness month in a new way this year. In addition to
the numerous events held throughout town during the month of October, the town
will promote breast cancer awareness through pink lighting and pink décor
through the Paint the town Pink campaign.
Kathy Mathias, chair of
the Pink Ribbon Classic of the American Cancer Society, presented the idea to
the City Council Monday night, highlighting the importance of breast cancer
research and awareness.
As one in eight women
will be diagnosed with breast cancer and as breast cancer is the second leading
cause of cancer death, Mathias, a survivor herself, urged the City Council to
help spread awareness.
Mathias asked the
council to turn the town into a hot pink community during October by adorning
buildings with pink décor and lighting as well as encouraging local businesses
and property owners to do the same.
Turning lighted
buildings pink, planting pink flowers, painting pink ribbons on sidewalks and
streets, tying pink ribbons on doors and trees and displaying Pink Ribbon
Classic posters and banners throughout town are just a few of the ways the town
can transform into a pink community next month. Mathias also suggested that the
town hold a contest for the best pink window display.
Pink gel sheets are an
easy way to turn outdoor lamps pink, said Mathias. The 20-inch by 24-inch gel
sheets can be purchased online for $5.65 at www.bhphotovideo.com and can be easily taped over outdoor lights,
illuminating the night with pink hues.
Mathias also encouraged
property owners to string pink Christmas lights, use pink spotlights and
program electronic letter signs with pink background or lettering.
The town will also be
turning water fountains pink using pink dye, which was done last year during
breast cancer awareness month.
Various cities
throughout the country will be participating as well. Mathias reported that Wilmington, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Seaford,
Georgetown and Philadelphia are just a few of the cities and
towns that will be turning pink in October.
“I would love to encourage all the businesses,
all the homeowners to also please jump on the bandwagon,” said Council member
Nancy Howard, encouraging residents and business owners to help paint the town
pink.
“I think it’s a really,
really good idea,” said Council member Mary Knight.
The council voted
unanimously to support the effort.