Pink will be sported along with the usual Austin Packers scarlet and white colors during Friday night’s football game as part of an inaugural effort to raise awareness and support for The Hormel Institute’s world-renowned breast cancer research.

This year, the Packer Football Booster Club decided to promote a “Pink Out Night” at the Austin Packers’ final home football game against the Owatonna Huskies, starting at 7 p.m. at Hass Stadium. October is observed internationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as pink is associated with breast cancer.

Prior to the game, parents from the booster club will host their traditional pregame tailgate party east of Hass Stadium from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Wescott Athletic Complex. This Friday, however, the club’s “Pink Out Night” tailgate party will raise money to support The Hormel Institute’s cutting-edge breast cancer research by selling a limited number of “Send Cancer Packin’” pink T-shirts for $10 each as well as accepting donations.

With a festive, music-filled atmosphere, the Packer tailgate parties offer hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, chips and beverages for sale.

Friday night’s game will raise awareness about the importance of supporting breast cancer research and early detection in an effort to hopefully save lives, said Bonnie Kilpatrick, Booster Club Member and the event’s organizer.

Committee members felt that having the “Pink Out Night” is a way to demonstrate that Austin High football players, cheerleaders, students, parents and fans support those who have been affected by breast cancer, Kilpatrick said.

“This being our first year, we are trying to plant a seed that will grow from year to year,” Kilpatrick said. “We are hoping this will become an annual event that the community embraces.”

Some Packer football players will wear pink shirts under their uniforms and a few plan to wear pink gloves.

“This brings much encouragement to our scientists who are working vigorously on discoveries leading to the prevention and control of breast cancer and other types of cancer,” said Dr. Zigang Dong, Executive Director for The Hormel Institute. “Our community knows that research is the only answer to cancer.”