In February, more than twenty-three local hotels and restaurants, businesses, and special lecture series will be rolling out the pink carpet to educate the community on breast cancer, through Susan G. Komen West Michigan. The endeavor is called Experience Pink.
Every seventy-four seconds, somewhere in the world, someone dies from breast cancer. Experience Pink will spread awareness and raise needed funds for the ongoing fight to end breast cancer. This year there will be a “lunch and learn” lecture series hosted by the JW Marriott, featuring local authors who are breast cancer survivors, on February 15 and 26 from noon to 2 p.m. There are events, hotel packages, and much more to see and do, all month long.
Show the love – make an impact. The community is encouraged to enjoy a night out at one of the many participating Kent County hotels or downtown businesses or restaurants, knowing a portion of their evening will go towards funding grants to local hospitals and community organizations that provide breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs.
“Many families in Kent County are affected by breast cancer, as well as many families coming into Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile,” stated Doug Small, president, Experience Grand Rapids. “Experience Pink is a great collaboration with Susan G. Komen and our tourism industry to give back to the community and help in the continued dedication to finding a cure and providing hope.”
“We are thrilled by the generosity of the community and this opportunity to bring awareness and an end to breast cancer,” said Jennifer Jurgens, executive director of Susan G. Komen West Michigan. “Seventy-five percent of the funds raised by Susan G. Komen West Michigan stay right here in West Michigan, helping women who need it the most. One out of every eight will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime, and having services locally to support them is vital.”
“The JW Marriott considers it an honor to be taking part in this endeavor, and as president of the Kent County Lodging Association, we felt it was vital to do something to make a difference and bring the community together. I lost my mom to breast cancer, and ever since then my family and I have been very passionate about making a difference,” said Brian Behler, director of rooms at the JW Marriott. “The Experience Pink event allows us all to create awareness, fundraise, and change lives. Together we are stronger.”
“Downtown and its merchants are happy to support this important campaign that is working to end breast cancer and will welcome survivors and their families and friends to Grand Rapids. Our merchants will participate in several ways to show their support and turn the downtown pink,” said Nicole Weichelt, marketing coordinator for the Downtown Alliance.
For a list of participating hotels, restaurants, businesses, and special events, go to www.ExperienceGR.com/ExperiencePink. For more information on how you can join the fight to end breast cancer, visit www.komenwestmichigan.org.
About Susan G. Komen West Michigan
The West Michigan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is dedicated to combating breast cancer at every front. Up to seventy-five percent of the affiliate’s net income goes toward funding grants to local hospitals and community organizations that provide breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs for medically underserved women. The remaining net income (a minimum of twenty-five percent) supports the national Komen Grants Program, which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research, meritorious awards, and educational and scientific programs around the world.
The Komen West Michigan Affiliate’s services area covers Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Ottawa counties. Thanks to the thousands of people who participate in the Susan G. Komen West Michigan Race for the Cure® and other affiliate events each year, dedicated corporate partners, and generous donors, Komen West Michigan is playing a vital role in fighting breast cancer in our community.
About Experience Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan, located in the heart of Michigan’s West Coast. This destination provides a remarkable combination of urban sophistication and small-town warmth in a region of abundant natural resources. Start your Grand Rapids, Kent County, and Michigan’s West Coast experience at www.ExperienceGR.com
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