Pink Patch Project Reaches Across Southland

SEAL BEACH, CA — How do you start a breast cancer awareness program? Ask the Irwindale and Seal Beach police departments. Yesterday, Seal Beach PD announced its participation in the fundraiser to raise money locally for breast cancer-related charities. The idea is not new, but the pink patch has come a long way thanks to the ingenuity of the Irwindale Police Department.

In 2o13, the Seal Beach Police Department officers wore pink embroidered patches as a way to show support for those affected by Breast Cancer and raise funds for local charity. The Irwindale Police Department was inspired by its efforts and decided to launch a similar program, raising money for the City of Hope Research Hospital.

Irwindale PD has updated the #PinkPatchProject using social media as a way for agencies to get a broader reach and get the word out about breast cancer awareness. In July, it began a collaborative effort across Los Angeles county, and with the police chiefs association and law enforcement agencies will assist in raising money to fight against breast cancer locally.

"The program centers on vibrant pink versions of the public safety officer's uniform patch," Irwindale Police Department's Public Information Officer Sgt. Rudy Gatto said. "A part of the program, many agencies will sell their pink patches to the community, along with commemorative t-shirts, challenge coins and other items." All profits raised from selling the patches and associated swag will go to a cancer charity of each individual department's choosing.

"This is truly a grassroots project," Gatto said. "We just wanted to raise $2,000 for City of Hope, and the first year, we ended up raising $20,000."

According to the Pink Patch Project website, the patches are intended to stimulate conversation within the community and to encourage public awareness in the early detection and fight against this disease.

"Breast Cancer awareness is something that everyone has connection to," he said.

Through the power of social media, public safety agencies from across the country are contacting the Irwindale Police Department's website for information on how to run their own pink patch program.

"We started with the 20 agencies in Los Angeles County, using social media contact," Gatto said. "We are getting calls from all over asking how to get started, and what to do."

When cities from across the country get involved, each public safety agency department involved will raise funds for their community, anything in their jurisdiction that serves their needs. City of Hope is a major research hospital, and many agencies are raising funds for organizations in their area.

"They can make it as big or as little as they want," he said. "It depends on the amount of effort the agency wants to put into."

The hashtag #PinkPatchProject is drawing national attention, with agencies across the country joining in even beyond Los Angeles County borders. T-shirts, patches and other printed items are created per department.

Even movie stars and athletes from across the nation are stepping in to lend their clout to the movement.

As this is a true grassroots effort, the #PinkPatchProject has exploded in the past couple of months.

"The City of Irwindale is hosting the site and information on joining the project," he said. "Contact #PinkPatchProject for information on how to get started."

For more information, visit: www.PinkPatchProject.com