Retailers Raise $15K At Pine2Pink Fundraiser In Newtown

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — A "Light The Night Pink" block party bathed South State Street in pink earlier this month and raised more than $15,000 for the Pine2Pink Foundation and for people in Bucks County battling cancer.

Through the efforts of retailers and community leaders Gina-Maria Santoro (Giovanni’s Fine Fashions), Matt Arlen (Ned’s Cigar Shop), Kathleen McCafferty (The Pro Shop of Newtown) and Rich Fekete (Countryside Gallery & Custom Frame Design), the event drew record numbers as everyone came together to support breast cancer patients.

Historic State Street shut down for the event, which included raffles, live music, games, a dunk tank featuring local celebrities, including Mayor John Burke and public works contractor Ron Fesmire, and various local vendors. The night drew record numbers and saw buy-in from almost every retailer store on State Street between Washington and W. Centre Avenue.

Throughout the special evening, stores hosted sip and shops and other mini-events incentivizing shoppers to purchase special items benefiting Pine2Pink. And the town literally turned pink as 22 street lamps were covered in pink gels and store owners changed their exterior lights to shine pink.

“It is a true testament of what a small town can do when the businesses and residents of Newtown Borough come together," said event organizer and owner of Giovanni’s Fine Fashions, Gina-Maria Santoro. "Our Light the Night Pink event was born out of a small idea and made a reality by the amazing members of the business community, our extremely supportive patrons, and selfless volunteers. Without one of these groups, none of this is possible.”

The founder of Pine2Pink, Keith Fenimore, added, “Pine2Pink is community driven by design. The way these local entrepreneurs worked together to create and produce this event was astounding. Everyone was inspired and motivated to come together for the greater good, we are so grateful that so many local breast cancer patients in treatment and recovery will benefit from their efforts.”

Funds were also raised through multiple sponsorships that allowed local businesses to be integrated into the event and have signage at various locations throughout the block party.

This year the following businesses participated as official event sponsors: Newtown Lifestyle, Red Pen Media, Joe Dantone Photography, Refresh Spa, Ivy Rehab, Rothman Institute, Opus Elite, Dumack Engineering, Lou Mancini, Esq., Anthony Petsis Financial, First National Bank, Genesis Training, Luxe Pro Shop of Newtown, Giovanni’s Fine Fashions, RAM Executive Search, John Kennedy Dealerships, Kampus Klothes, Always Advancing, Beyer Eye Associates, Ned’s Cigar Shop, Countryside Custom Framing.

“This year we offered up sponsorship levels which were embraced by the Newtown Borough Business Community. Their support put us over the top and helped make our Light the Night Pink event a huge success,” said Matt Arlen, owner of Ned’s Smoke Shop.

"We would like to thank our sponsors so much for your recent support of Pine2Pink! As a sponsor, their contributions are vital to continue this important work. We cannot succeed without the generosity of local supporters,” added Rich Fekete owner of Countryside Gallery & Custom Frame Design.