Paint the Town Pink goal: $303K – Steering Committee names Cheri Krejci 2018 ambassador
Published 8:19 am Tuesday, December 5, 2017
- The 2018 Paint The Town Pink Steering Committee members are, from left, are Toren Bires (Hormel Foods), Jeremy Olson (Hoot N Ole’s), Tami Yokiel (Mayo Clinic Health System-Austin), Kim Underwood (Austin Park and Recreation), Becky Earl (Primrose), Jeff Baldus (Austin Area Foundation), Kathi Finley (Paint The Town Pink director), Gail Dennison (The Hormel Institute), Janet Anderson (Austin City Council), Carl Vagle (Austin Bruins), Nancy Schnable (Discover Austin), Brenna Gerhart and Michelle Hjelmen (The Hormel Institute). Not pictured: Judy Enright (Austin City Council, Hoot N Ole’s) and Mike Delhanty (Austin Daily Herald). Photo provided
Paint the Town Pink has kicked off its seventh annual campaign, setting a goal of $303,000 and naming Cheri Krejci as its 2018 PTTP Ambassador.
The steering committee set goals and dates for the growing cancer research benefit.
Earlier this year, $303,367 was raised for cancer research and now that amount or more is the goal for 2018.
Cheri Krejci
“Paint the Town Pink is at $300,000 and growing,” said Kathi Finley, director of Paint the Town Pink. “Cancer is an enemy to all of us and we are doing all we can through support of research to prevent this disease, treat it and together we are working to extend lives. “
Through the hard work of organizers and the generous support of our community, Paint the Town Pink has grown since its start in 2011 with “Paint the Rink Pink” bringing in $24,000 in its inaugural year.
Krejci of Blooming Prairie is the 2018 Paint the Town Pink Ambassador and a breast cancer survivor. An early member of the Blooming Prairie Cancer Group, she and others contribute cancer research funds to Lyle Area Cancer Auction, Eagles Cancer Telethon, PTTP and directly to The Hormel Institute. Area residents undergoing cancer treatment are helped and supported by the group.
“I am so honored to be selected as the PTTP ambassador as I believe in advocating for cancer research of The Hormel Institute,” said Krejci.
“I will go to as many events as I possibly can and it’ll be wonderful to see everyone coming together for this important cause.”
Paint the Town Pink’s official two-week campaign is Jan. 27-Feb. 11, with fundraising events held throughout the year.
The Hormel Institute distributes seed grants to Institute cancer researchers with PTTP funds for innovative projects leading to major federal grants. With federal budgets threatening to be cut and research grants increasingly more competitive, the grants are highly valued.
“Your donations allow our scientists to research projects that might not otherwise be funded,” said Dr. Zigang Dong, executive director.
“Thanks to The Hormel Foundation, 100 percent of every dollar donated can go into research, none to administrative costs. We appreciate everyone’s generosity and support and know we will continue to work hard for answers to cancer prevention and control. That is our best way to say thank you.”
