On Hatteras Island, October is the Time to Think Pink
Forget the traditional fall colors of red, orange and brown – on Hatteras Island, October is going to be all about the color pink.
The month of October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s an important designation for women everywhere. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers for American women, and the average risk of a woman developing breast cancer at some point in her life is around 12%. (Although less common, it’s also possible for men to develop breast cancer as well.)
This is why on Hatteras Island, a series of pink-themed events are being planned to raise funds and awareness, and to celebrate our local ladies. And this wave of events and activities – from fishing tournaments to rosy-hued cocktails – stems from the efforts of a beloved local organization, the Hatteras Island
Cancer Foundation (HICF.)
In case you’re not familiar with the group, the HICF is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization which provides support for cancer patients and their families who live on Hatteras Island.
Founded in the year 2000, the HICF provides assistance to local residents dealing with cancer to help with needs such as travel expenses, prescriptions and medical supplies, as well as medical bills that are not covered by insurance. The Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation also recently started an Endowment Fund which is managed by the Outer Banks Community Foundation. Essentially, the Community Foundation accepts gifts to the fund, prudently invests the fund, and provides the HICF with sustainable and reliable annual income through the ensuing earnings. “The endowment fund is another new [element] of what
we do, and because it’s relatively new, it may not be something that people know about,” said HICF Secretary Laura Young.
To date, the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation has assisted over 175 islanders with cancer, with grants in excess of $825,000.
And to address this continual need for help throughout the island, the HICF hosts a number of events throughout the year to generate their much-needed funds for families in need.
In the next few weeks, HICF will be partnering with a wave of area businesses to host several events that both align with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and which raise a good chunk of donations for the longstanding local organization.
A number of these initiatives will be familiar and favorite events for longtime locals and visitors, too. The Positively Pink HICF 5K, for example, is celebrating its 15th year on October 6, 2018, and many of the participants are longtime supporters who look forward to the cruise through Kinnakeet Shores in Avon every year.
The Fish Like a Girl Tournament is another big event that has grown in popularity since first launching in 2014, with roughly 200 participants expected in this year’s tournament.
Then there’s the island-wide “Drink Pink” campaign. This toast-worthy event features ample opportunities to sample pink drinks of all varieties – from milkshakes to cocktails – as restaurants offer their own pink concoction with funds going to the HICF. More and more local eateries join the Drink Pink campaign every year, which gives foodies a month-long opportunity to quench their thirst in style all along the island.
Essentially, October is a month where the local ladies take center stage, and get to have some pink-infused fun, but it’s also a time when islanders recognize a homegrown organization that does a world of good.
From simple donations to fabulous events where all the ladies can join in, (and yes, the men can tag along too), October is an excellent time to celebrate women, to recognize the contributions of the HICF, and to spread some goodwill throughout the island and beyond.
UPCOMING HIFC EVENTS:
(If you are hosting an event to benefit the HICF during the month of October, please let us know. We would be glad to add you to this list. Please send informtion to editor@islandfreepress.org.
Fish Like a Girl:
Saturday, September 29
The Avon Pier, Koru Village & Pangea Tavern partner with HICF to host an all-girl fishing tournament on the Avon Pier. Funds raised from the tournament are donated to HICF. Register at any Koru location or online at http://www.koruvillage.com/.
15th Annual 5K Fun Run
Saturday, October 6
Come walk, run or just join in for a great cause in support of our neighbors who are battling cancer. The 5k course (3.1 miles) takes you through scenic Kinnakeet Shores in Avon, NC. Participants are encouraged to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness month Online Registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Avon/PositivelyPink5K
If you aren’t able to attend the event, donations may be made at: https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/NC/Avon/PositivelyPink5K
Drink Pink
October 1, 2018 – October 31, 2018
During the month of October (breast cancer awareness month), restaurants across Hatteras Island support HICF by including a special pink drink on their menus. HICF encourages locals and visitors to sample the various drinks – (responsibly of course) – from the different locations. Each restaurant donates all or a portion of their pink drink sales to HICF.
HICF 2018 Drink Pink Participating Establishments:
HICF 2018 Drink Pink Participating Establishments:
*More restaurants may be added.
Hatteras
Hatteras Sol
Dinky’s
Breakwater
Dancing Turtle
Frisco
Inn on Pamlico
The Pamlico Deli
Quarterdeck
Buxton
Angelo’s
Lighthouse Sport’s Bar
Uncle Eddy’s
Avon
Ketch
Gidget’s
Pangea’s Tavern
