Masuk Free Press

On Sunday, Oct. 1, the Monroe Community came together to support the fight against breast cancer. The fifth annual Think Pink Palooza started the month of October with a big pink bang. The event’s main goal was to spread awareness for breast cancer and to raise money to help those who are victims of the disease, but the Think Pink Palooza went beyond just a fundraiser. It became a community celebration where the whole town could come together to support and help those in need. Masuk especially was a huge part of the community that gathered for the event.

“The Monroe Public Schools have a history of raising awareness for breast cancer and all other cancers during the month of October,” Superintendent Joe Kobza said. “At Masuk we have a number of other activities. A culinary art teacher got in on the action this year. She’s selling cookies to raise money for Think Pink.” 

The support garnered by the Masuk community was prevalent at the Palooza. Students volunteered at the culinary bake sale, face painting and pumpkin decorating. The Interact Club also offered rock painting. Performances led by Masuk’s choir, band and cheer team took place throughout to provide entertainment and keep the crowd engaged, and guest speakers such as Joe Kobza and Ken Kellog gave speeches to raise awareness and give thanks to the community. 

“I just love being part of the Monroe Community,” said Lisa Martinsky, second grade teacher at Stepney Elementary and breast cancer survivor. “We all seem to be there for each other, rallying against those going through hardships and difficult times.” 

The community presence for the Think Pink Palooza went beyond just Masuk, and extended to the whole town and state. One of the activities that helped make this year’s Think Pink Palooza popular was the Corn Hole Competition, an event created in order to help raise money for the cause. With an entry fee of $60, the competition was one of the main events. The competition attracted teams across the state;the winners, Team De Rose, were from Fairfield. Other fundraisers like raffle baskets and Think Pink lumineers were sold in order to raise money. 

This year’s Palooza differed from past years, with a change to the annual weekend, and it became not only an event for those who needed support, but also an event to show that it takes a village to stand strong. 

To demonstrate this message, vendors and businesses alike came together. Vendors such as  Little Kernel’s Kettle Corn and Hair by Dorris were present and offered Pink activities. A total of 34 businesses sponsored the event, with State Farm, Edgerton Heating & Air Conditioning and Hirsch Law being the main sponsors. 

Finding sponsors was not easy, however, Bonnie Maur, President and founder of Think Pink Monroe, said, “It took a long time for people to realize we were even here, and that we were a part of the town. Businesses are also approached by every organization, so it’s tough to get them to sponsor everybody, so what we really tried to do is cultivate the relationships that we can with the businesses that we can.” 

These businesses helped make the event successful, and an engaging event for everyone, especially kids. Maur wanted this year’s Think Pink Palooza to be more family friendly compared to the previous years: “A lot of kids have parents that are survivors and we need to show [the kids] what survival is, and that you can not only survive but you can thrive.” 

While the Think Pink Palooza is over for this year, there are a lot of other events planned for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Among the many activities planned for this month are the Think Pink Monroe Farmers Market on Friday, Oct. 6, and the Masuk Football game on Oct. 13. 

“I’ll have to thank the Masuk community, the Monroe community and the Monroe public schools, but especially the Masuk community who’s really been so supportive over the past few years,” said Maur. 

With breast cancer awareness month just starting it is crucial to remember the importance of a strong community. So remember to Think Pink this month, because every person counts!