2015 - Pink Pumpkin Run

Pink Pumpkin Run

The Pink Pumpkin Run is run and organized by a group of women and men who have been directly impacted by breast cancer. Julie Wilk was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. Three years later, her and her daughter Erin decided to start painting pumpkins pink during the month of October to decorate Julie's husband's dental office, Grand Avenue Dental Care. At the time, patients could make a donation to the Avon Race for the Cure and then pick a pumpkin to take home. The pumpkins were a huge hit and the next year, they painted enough of them to sell some at Faith and Giggles and Perc Place. In 2013, Sally Jude was diagnosed with breast cancer and during her chemo, a friend had purchased her a pink pumpkin. The pumpkin made it through chemo with her and, once recovered, she began to think about how she could make a difference and get more people involved. In the fall of 2014, Sally's friend, Karin Buhle introduced Erin and Sally in the Hartford Business Improvement District office and Pink Pumpkin ideas began flowing. After a couple more introductions and a few lunches, the inaugural run was scheduled for October 3rd, 2015. Farmers were contacted to donate pumpkins to the cause, additional committee members gathered who were interested in the cause, and it was decided that all monies raised would stay local to help those going through what we all knew so well. And so, the Pink Pumpkin Run was born.