Harrison Central hosts ‘Think Pink Week’ for Breast Cancer Awareness

Think pink and go Big Red! That’s the theme for the Harrison Central High School this week as students and faculty alike show their support for breast cancer research.

Every October, Harrison Central raises thousands of dollars hosting activities during ‘Think Pink Week.’ Thursday, the school hosted a community carnival to shine a light on breast cancer awareness. Event Coordinator Chasity Underwood said, “We have several carnival games going on. We have the dunking booth which our head principal is going to be getting in the dunking booth, a couple of teachers who will get in the dunking booth as well as some of our swim team members. We have the bounce house. We have the powderpuff football game going on. We have concessions. We’re selling ‘Think Pink’ t-shirts. It’s just a family friendly event.”

It cost $3 to enter and $10 for a wristband to play all the carnival games. It may not seem like a lot, but it adds up and brings the community together. Underwood says Thursday’s event wouldn’t be possible without support from the community. “We had several partners from the community who donated either gift cards or money that we have been using for silent auctions for teachers. We’ve had Panache Apparel and Accessories. We have the Hilton Garden Inn. We’ve had Marble Slab. We’ve had Blush Nails, Vivid Nail Spa. They’ve all given and that’s just a few who’s donated to our cause.”

The proceeds go to support Memorial Hospital’s breast imaging fund. Raising awareness is something Underwood says hits close to home. “I lost a cousin to breast cancer. It really affected me because that was someone that I was close to and you know, everyone’s been touched by it.”

‘Think Pink Week’ started as a school-wide community service project in 2009. The campaign has raised more than $50,000 so far for local breast cancer programs.