New Hope To Go 'Pink' In Support Of Local Breast Cancer Patients

NEW HOPE, PA — The Pine2Pink effort to support local breast cancer patients is expanding to New Hope in 2019, and founder Keith Fenimore is working to double the fundraising goal.

Pine2Pink is an effort that occurs in Doylestown during Breast Cancer Awareness month, which is October. But this year, it will also be in New Hope and Peddler's Village.

So what exactly is Pine2Pink?

For the duration of the month, Doylestown turns "pink" — Pine Street becomes Pink Street and the borough changes dozens of street lights to have a pink hue. Prominent buildings, including the courthouse and the Mercer Museum, are also lit pink.

There's also a virtual Pokemon-Go style pink ribbon scavenger hunt, which will be expanded to New Hope. It features a hundred prizes, including a grand prize of round-trip airfare.

RELATED: See Stunning Photos Of Doylestown Landmarks Lit Up In Pink

Last year's effort raised $21,500 for local breast cancer patients at Doylestown Health’s Cancer Institute. This year, Fenimore, a New Hope native, is looking to double that.

To get there, he'll be broadening the visibility of the effort and will be adding a series of awareness events, including a the Pine2Pink Yogathon on Sept. 22.

In New Hope, either Mechanic Street or Ferry Street will temporarily be renamed to Pink Street for the month of October. Plus, the borough will be changing some street lights and participating merchants will change their exterior bulbs pink.

"We're delighted to help bring this unique experience to New Hope, and we're especially proud of all our merchants who are gearing up for this month-long event," said Borough Council President Connie Gering. "From the virtual scavenger hunt to the lights bathing the streets in a pink glow, this engaging and creative event is a perfect fit for New Hope. And the outcome – neighbor-helping-neighbor in support of local breast cancer patients – couldn't be more important to us all."

Proceeds from Couture for a Cure, held annually New Hope at Hotel DuVillage, will also benefit Pine2Pink, Fenimore said.

Over at Peddler's Village, a path along the main green will be designated as Pine Street, which will be changed to Pink Street, Fenimore said. "Many of their merchants are getting involved and we will have virtual pink ribbons everywhere as part of the scavenger hunt," he said. Business sponsors there include Lucky Cupcake Company, Clusters Popcorn, and Peddler's House of Jerky.

Also this year, Doylestown Shopping Center is on board as a sponsor and will be turning the entire center pink for the month as well, according to Fenimore.

Additionally, restaurants around the area will be serving pink dishes and drinks in support of the effort.

Fenimore was inspired to start the organization after experiencing the impacts of breast cancer on his own family. His grandmother passed away from breast cancer and his mother is a breast cancer survivor.

Most importantly, the money raised stays local, Fenimore stressed. Funds benefit local breast cancer patients in treatment and recovery in various ways, including treatment transportation, out-of-pocket medical expenses, as well as integrated services such as yoga, reiki, acupuncture, massage and counseling.

Fenimore would like to expand Pine2Pink to a national level, to help as many breast cancer patients in treatment and recovery as possible. "There are over 5,000 Pine Streets in cities and towns across the country. My goal is to eventually bring the month long Pine2Pink program to all of them," he said.

Opportunities are still open for 2019 sponsorship. To learn more, visit pine2pink.org.

Patch is a Pine2Pink media partner.