By Julie Butterfield
From a Pink Pigeons Clay Shoot to Pink Lighting at Heritage Square Park, Katy is home to several breast cancer awareness events this fall. The Pink Ribbons Project, MD Anderson Cancer Center and Willow Fork Country Club have coordinated activities to raise awareness and collect funds to help fight the disease that affects 1 in 8 American women.
Aker Solutions sponsors Pink Ribbons' fourth annual Pink Pigeons Clay Shoot on Sept. 26 at Westside Sporting Grounds. The proceeds of the clay shoot, a clay-pigeon shooting event, benefit two breast cancer organizations: Pink Ribbons Project and Suites of Hope. Pink Ribbons Project, through dance and other arts, raises money to provide breast cancer screening to low-income women.
Suites of Hope, a charitable, nonprofit organization, provides affordable housing for breast cancer patients who need to travel to MD Anderson Cancer Center to engage in clinical trials.
"Pink Pigeons is an opportunity to make an impact and touch the lives of those that are affected by breast cancer," said Cartiay McCoy, communications director for Pink Ribbons Project.
On Oct. 11, Heritage Square Park will glow pink as MD Anderson Regional Care Center publicly honors and applauds local survivors with a tribute at its annual Pink Lighting event. Physicians and survivors will take the stage to talk about breast cancer. A Strike Through Cancer Wall will be set up so that survivors, patients and visitors can sign a message of tribute.
All guests will receive a complimentary souvenir photo and pink glow necklaces. Houston's popular variety band "Commercial Art" will entertain with vintage soul, classic rock and Latin rhythms.
Before the Pink Lighting event, Breast Friends—a cancer support group that meets monthly at Houston Methodist St. Catherine Hospital on South Fry Road—will host a pre-party at Las Almedas Mexican Restaurant, in lieu of the monthly meeting.
On Oct. 24, Willow Fork Country Club will host its 10th annual Breast Cancer Tennis/Golf Tournament and Awareness Luncheon fundraiser. The country club plans to donate the proceeds to Methodist Breast Cancer Center.
"Last year, we donated $20,000 to Methodist [Breast Cancer Center], and they bought a new 3-D mammography machine," said Allyson Hoag, communications coordinator for Willow Fork Country Club. "This year, we plan to raise funds to help them build a new breast cancer center in their medical office building."
Upcoming Events
September 26 – Pink Pigeons Clay Shoot
The event supports the Pink Ribbons Project and Suites of Hope. 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. $750 (team), $150 (single shooter). Westside Sporting Grounds, 10120 Pattison Road, Katy. 713-524-7465, ext. 806.
October 11 – Pink Lighting Pre-Party
Breast Friends kicks off the "Pink Lighting" event with Mexican food. 4 p.m. Prices vary. Las Alamedas Mexican Restaurant, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Ste. F140, Katy. 281-646-4371
October 11 – Pink Lighting
Attendees gather for live music and a square lit up in tribute to breast cancer survivors and patients. 7–9 p.m. Free. Heritage Square, LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy. 281-646-4371
October 24 – 10th annual Breast Cancer Tennis/Golf Tournament and Awareness Luncheon
The tournament raises funds for the Methodist Breast Cancer Center. 8 a.m.–3 p.m., 11 a.m. (lunch). $40. Willow Fork Country Club, 21055 Westheimer Parkway, Katy. 281-579-6262
