Every October, a lot of things turn pink: Shirts, cups, storefront windows, sports teams’ uniforms.
Caitlin Sticka wants you to look at the label first.
Sticka is the founder and executive director of With Courage, a Yamhill County nonprofit that supports people going through and recovering from breast cancer. As Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins, her message isn't really about her own organization.
"They call it pinkwashing," Sticka said. "People are posting or sharing or selling something pink, and it doesn't necessarily go anywhere."
Her advice is simple. If you're spending money on something pink, know where that money ends up, even if it isn't With Courage. She'll still make the case for her group, though: "Our funding stays local to Yamhill County."
The first event is Wednesday (Sept. 30) with the Rosé Toast at Ken Wright Cellars in Carlton from 4:30 to 6 p.m. A $15 donation includes a glass of rosé, a raffle ticket for prizes and some small bites.
There will be several events and showcases involving With Courage this month - check the schedule at the bottom of the article - but its main event is the Pink Ribbon Event on Oct. 10. Guests can look forward to live music, a plated dinner, a selection of drinks, a photo booth, a raffle and various chances to give back during the night.
The silent, live and dessert auctions remain a major draw, boasting remarkable packages, unique experiences and local treats contributed by supporters.
Pink out with a purpose
This year one push is showing up on local sidelines. A few years ago, the Yamhill-Carlton girls soccer program reached out wanting to wear Tigers With Courage shirts. Dayton volleyball followed. This fall, With Courage opened presale on shirts for every program that wants them. A board member has been contacting Yamhill County athletic directors and coaches around the county.
The pitch isn't a fundraiser. Sticka knows schools have their own programs to fund. What she's asking for is intention.
"If you are wearing pink at one of our Pink Out with a Purpose events, you know the purpose behind it," she said.
Some schools won't wear shirts this year but plan to read a PA announcement at their games instead. The point is to start a conversation, especially with high schoolers who may not have seen breast cancer up close. Check out who is participating and when here.
Not just active treatment
Sticka - who is a survivor herself after being diagnosed in 2014 - says one of the most common reactions she hears is some version of, "I never heard of that." She wants people to know With Courage also supports survivors after treatment ends, not just patients going through it.
That part is personal.
"That's important to me because I'm living that," she said.
She describes herself as a heads-down, get-stuff-done person. Her board and friends have to remind her to stop and look at how far the group has come. When she does, she credits the community, the volunteers and yes, eventually and extremely humbly, herself.
"We just really want people to know that they're not alone if they're going through this," she said.
How to help
You can donate, volunteer or simply pass the name along through the With Courage website at withcourage.org, Instagram or Facebook. The website has a volunteer form. And if you know someone who has had breast cancer, Sticka's ask is simple: Tell them about With Courage and let them know they aren’t alone.
With Courage Events This Month
- Wednesday: Rosé Toast at Ken Wright Cellars (Carlton).
- Oct. 6: Breast Cancer Awareness Bingo - Clementine (Newberg)
- Oct. 10: Pink Ribbon Event - North American Aerospace Museum (McMinnville)
Tickets | Sponsor or Donate
All Month
- Shop Local - Participating businesses are giving back to With Courage with certain items this month. Check out the entire list here.
- Pink Out with a Purpose Games - Local teams showing their support by hosting "Pink Outs" | Schedule
- Pink Lights Campaign - Each October, With Courage works with businesses to light up trees and buildings throughout Yamhill County in pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
