A Pink Day event has been held annually in Leechburg since 2011, raising more than $100,000 for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, but the covid-19 pandemic forced organizer Sherry Price to cancel this year’s event.
Leechburg-area businesswoman Linda Alworth stepped in to help when she found out about the cancellation.
“My mother had breast cancer. I love to give, especially for those women who depend on new research to keep them motivated,” said Alworth of Gilpin, who owns area businesses Market St. Pizza, Twisted Thistle and Lingrow Farm.
Alworth offered to host a fundraiser, Lingrow Goes Pink, Sunday on the grounds of Lingrow Farm, a wedding and event venue in Gilpin.
Alworth isn’t charging Price anything to hold the event, which she said usually costs about $6,000 to put on.
All admission and basket raffle proceeds from Lingrow Goes Pink will be donated to Pink Day.
About 5,000 people attended last year’s Pink Day, which raised more than $27,000 during the daylong event that closed down Market Street.
So far this year, an ongoing 2020 Pink Day T-shirt sale has raised about $2,000, Price said.
“I didn’t think we would be able to raise any money this year, and now we will. It’s pretty incredible this is happening,” Price said.
The usual vendors won’t be in attendance because of covid-19 restrictions, said Joe Hesketh, managing partner at Lingrow Farm, Twisted Thistle and Market St. Pizza.
“We’re hoping the usual guests of Pink Day will venture out to show their support for food, drinks and live music in a laid-back, picnic-style setting,” Hesketh said.
A picnic-themed menu will feature BBQ pork, ribs, hot dogs and chicken, with sides of potato and pasta salad.
Beer, wine, assorted alcoholic mixers and nonalcoholic drinks will be sold.
Price will oversee about 30 volunteers during the event, which is expected to include a silent auction with 50 baskets, about half as many as in previous years. Raffles also will be held, along with a six-hour live music benefit concert featuring Sour Mash, Lenny Collini 4 Pack, Steel Mill Rising, First Light and Pat & Dave.
Organizers are asking for a $10 donation for admission. An ATM will be available on-site.
Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic blanket or chair, but no outside coolers, food or beverages will be permitted.
“Lingrow Farm is so beautiful, and there’s lots of room outside for social distancing,” Price said.
