Pledge the Pink

August 2024 Issue
by Elizabeth Skenes Millen

Imagine driving by a beautiful, open field, looking out, and seeing 7,500 tacky, yet cheerful, plastic pink flamingos stuck everywhere. Can you envision it? Could it be the largest prank you’ve ever seen? Nope. It’s a “Flock of Love” and just one of the impactful parts of the huge, wacky, out-of-the-box fun the tremendous Pledge the Pink Breast Cancer Walk is known for.

Fourteen years ago, local Laura Morgan had an idea. It was to create one of the most fun, empowering, memorable breast cancer awareness and fundraising events ever. Her vision included 30 miles of walking over three days, everyone wearing Pink, working and walking together to raise an enormous amount of money to help people with breast cancer and make a significant donation to aid in research, treatments, mammogram scholarships and resources.

The first walk went off without a hitch. It was held on Hilton Head Island in October 2011, with nearly 350 people showing up to walk the 10-mile-a-day trek. The walks meandered through exclusive neighborhoods, down the beach, and through the streets. There were before and after walk events to create fellowship and provide support among the walkers. People shared their stories of survival or loss of loved ones. It was a labor of love, a feat to plan, coordinate, and accomplish, but it made an impact on those who participated. It also generated around $18,000 for the cause.

Now in its thirteenth year, Pledge the Pink is popping! Born on Hilton Head and now headquartered in Bluffton, Pledge the Pink is still led by Laura with the help of 373 volunteers. Why so many? Well, since its inception, Pledge the Pink has grown to 1500 participants, numerous sponsors and vendors, a multitude of events, and a spaghetti model of logistics. Pledge the Pink is a BIG deal for boobs! This event has given right at three-million dollars since 2011 and has had a huge economic impact on the host towns. This year it is set to raise $750,000 for the cause.

And it has become, without a doubt, perhaps the most fun and meaningful event you could ever be a part of. There are already more than one thousand participants registered for the October 17-20 event, which is a good indication this is one extra-special weekend, dubbed a “4-day, cancer-kicking, bestie-bonding, bling-earning, beach-hopping adventure of a lifetime!” And where will it be held this year? On Amelia Island, on Florida’s northeast coast!

Some of the hijinks and antics anticipated will include PJ Karaoke, Drag Queen Bingo, and a live auction that will probably be the funniest two hours of your life. Some friends come as teams and dress up each day for the walk. However, Pledge the Pink is for everyone, both calm and rowdy. Some ladies love to shop, relax at the beach, or enjoy spa treatments—in other words, it’s your weekend, your rules!

A few other special events will include the packet pick-up welcome party, survivors’ luncheon and a butterfly release with thousands of butterflies to remember or honor those who have fought, win or lose.

So far, walkers, also referred to as “Flock Stars”, from all 50 states and seven countries are signed up to run, walk, and/or crawl 30 miles in search for the cure on gorgeous Amelia. Walking courses are set to explore the Island, its beautiful neighborhoods, its beaches, Fort Clinch State Park, swamps, wetlands, and downtown Fernandina’s Historic District with lots of surprises and goodies along the way. And don’t forget about those 7,500 plastic pink flamingos! Each one will represent a $100 donation. If you were to think in terms of mammograms, each flamingo is a mammogram for a woman who may otherwise not be able to have one.

While the majority of the funds raised stay right here in the Lowcountry, Laura wants to encourage more locals to sign up and come down to Amelia Island this fall. It’s the ultimate girls’ weekend or weekend getaway! “The event was born on Hilton Head, and we need and love the support from the home team. I appreciate the community support from everyone across Beaufort County and hope more will register to come be a part of their hometown event that has basically gone viral. We move locations so walkers can enjoy different courses each year, as nearly two-thirds of registrants are repeat participants. Please come to Amelia; you will LOVE it!” Laura said.

This is an event that doesn’t end when it’s over. Walkers leave inspired and empowered. Laura explained, “It’s a pilgrimage for many. It affects people so differently. Some are deeply touched, others are inspired to do more, and those who thought they could never accomplish walking 30 miles, feel they can take on the world. This is why I love it so. Seeing the pure joy, the connections made, the emotions shared, the fun and laughter, the tears and hope. It has nothing to do with the miles but everything to do with the fellowship and fun.”

 

REGISTER NOW FOR PLEDGE THE PINK!!
Log onto: www.PledgeThePink.com | 3-days, 3-courses

3 medals | free lunch after each race | swag bag | DJ
professional photos | Admission to Fort Clinch State Park

Save $50 until August 31, 2024, Code: Pink
Fundraising is not required! Men are welcome! (There’s about 92% women and the other 8% are the happiest men in the world!)

GET READY: 12-Week Training Online Program starts in August
(Recommended!) It’s never too late: There will be an 8-Week and
6-Week training program in September

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED: Volunteer, Sponsor, Donate—Log onto www.pledgethepink.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.

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