Alabama Businesses Unite to Fund Life-Saving Breast Cancer Research in October

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, businesses and organizations statewide are joining forces and going pink

October is an incredible time of solidarity, empowerment, and enlightenment nationwide as we celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout Alabama, an array of businesses and organizations are stepping up to raise funds for crucial local breast cancer research. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA) has joined forces with over 20 diverse entities, from car dealerships to schools, banks, and real estate brokerages, all eager to make a significant impact. The funds raised by these partners will fuel revolutionary advancements in breast cancer diagnostics, treatments, and prevention methods, ultimately saving lives. Every dollar stays in Alabama, but the impact is worldwide.

“The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama is dedicated to supporting local research and raising awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with the goal of ensuring a healthier future for all,” says President & CEO Beth Davis. “It’s incredibly moving to see our partners come together in support of our mission. It fills me with hope and inspiration for a future free from breast cancer, made possible by groundbreaking research.”

In 2023, the BCRFA invested over $1.25 million in 35 groundbreaking projects across seven Alabama-based institutes, thanks in part to its Breast Cancer Awareness Month partners. The organization is scheduled to announce its 2024 grant awards in December, further highlighting its dedication to fostering life-saving research.

“Funding for research remains critical,” continued Davis. “But during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we also have an opportunity to celebrate the victories of breast cancer survivors, honor the memories of those we’ve lost, and, most importantly, encourage others to join the battle against this disease that affects so many.”

One in eight women and one in 833 men in the United States will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. In Alabama, an estimated 4,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and sadly, 720 lives will be lost to the disease. However, due to significant investments in research and early detection methods, breast cancer death rates are on a downward trend. It’s remarkable to note that thirty years ago, 4 out of 5 breast cancer patients did not survive the illness, but today, there has been significant progress, with 4 out of 5 breast cancer patients overcoming the disease.

In addition to business and community partners, the BCRFA is also eager to partner with individuals eager to join the fight against breast cancer. People can participate in any of the community events below. For those without an event nearby, supporting BCRFA is as simple as donating, getting the Breast Cancer Research license plate, picking up pink apparel at the BCRFA shop, or even organizing their own fundraiser.

BCRFA-Hosted Breast Cancer Awareness Events

• Revvin’ 4 Research (Pelham) – On Sunday, September 29, hundreds of motorcyclists from across the state will join the fight against breast cancer at the 16th Annual Revvin’ 4 Research Charity Motorcycle Ride presented by Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson and Process Barron on Sunday, September 29 at 12 PM. Registration includes an hour-long police escorted ride through scenic Shelby County, t-shirt, and post-ride meal. The ride starts and ends at Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson in Pelham. Details and registration at revvin4research.com.
• CahabaQue (Birmingham) – On Saturday, October 12, Cahaba Brewing Company and the BCRFA team up for the fall CahabaQue BBQ cook-off—a day of BBQ, beer, and bragging rights. Guests will enjoy all-you-can-eat samples from over ten team’s BBQ offerings, craft beer, and live music. Tickets and info at cahabaque.com.
• Calera Goes Pink (Calera) – Join the City of Calera as they go pink to support breast cancer research in Alabama throughout the month of October. This city-wide event includes a golf tournament at Timberline Golf Club on Thursday, October 24 and the Calera High School vs. Helena High School football game on Friday, October 25. Details at caleragoespink.com.
• Bolt For Breast Cancer 5K and Fun Run (Mountain Brook) – On Sunday, October 27, lace up your sneakers to raise funds and awareness for local, life-saving breast cancer research at Bolt For Breast Cancer 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run presented by ABC 33/40. Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome at both events. Stick around for post-race fun with music, refreshments, and children’s activities including face painting and an inflatable obstacle course. Registration and info at boltforbreastcancer.com.

Community Partner Breast Cancer Awareness Events

• ARC Realty “Blue Goes Pink” (Birmingham area/statewide) – ARC Realty will donate $25 for each new property listing in October while encouraging employees and agents to raise funds and awareness. ARC is also partnering with Birmingham area restaurants throughout October. Participating restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds from their Blue Goes Pink night to the campaign.
• Atrox Factory -Throughout October, Atrox Factory will be selling pink, co-branded shirts and tumblers and donating 100% of the proceeds to the BCRFA.
• Birmingham Squadron (Multiple BCRFA events) – Birmingham Squadron mascot will attend CahabaQue on Saturday, October 12 and the Calera Goes Pink football game on Friday, October 25.
• Cajun Steamer (Birmingham metro area) – Proceeds from Tata Tini and Perky Pair Punch drink specials will be donated to the BCRFA throughout October.
• Capstone Realty “Blue Goes Pink” (Huntsville area/statewide) – Capstone Realty will donate $25 for each new property listing in October while encouraging employees and agents to raise funds and awareness.
• Everyday Pink – Everyday Pink Shop will donate 15% of their sales, online and in store, to the BCRFA from Wednesday, September 4 through Monday, November 4.
• First Metro Bank (statewide) – First Metro Bank will hold community awareness activities at their branches across Alabama to support the BCRFA.
• GripStarz “Pink Out the State Tour” (statewide) – Gripstarz is hosting a statewide car cruise featuring car shows throughout the state throughout Ocotber. Guests are invited to make a donation and sign the banner to show their support.
• JNR’s Sweet Treats (Pell City) – JNR’s Sweet Treats will donate a percentage of sales and sell t-shirts throughout October to the BCRFA.
• Party Art (Birmingham) – Party Art is making a $10 donation from each hand-painted BC trucker hat throughout October to the BCRFA.
• Raggio MD Facial Plastic Surgery “Botox for Breast Cancer” (Homewood) – Raggio MD Facial Plastic Surgery will donate a portion of proceeds from “Botox for Breast Cancer” injectable event on October 16.
• Renasant Bank (statewide) – Twenty-four Renasant branches across Alabama are raising funds through community fundraisers, t-shirt sales, and donations from the public and to support the BCRFA and Alabama breast cancer research.
• Riverchase Country Club “2 Laddies & A Caddie Golf Tournament” (Hoover) – On October 13, Riverchase Country Club hosts their annual golf tournament to support the BCRFA.
• Sanctum Tattoos & Comics (Birmingham) – October 26, Santum Tattoos and Comics “Flash Day”. Percentage of sales on smaller tattoos will go to the BCRFA.
• S.H.A.T. RC Speedway (Hueytown) – October 19, S.H.A.T. RC Speedway (Shipman Hueytown Asphalt Track) will host the first annual Race for a Cure, featuring remote-controlled race cars. All proceeds will go to the BCRFA.
• Tameron Automotive (Hoover) – Tameron Hyundai and Honda in Hoover are donating $100 to the BCRFA for every car they sell during October.
• Wet Willie’s (Mobile) – Stop in to Wet Willie’s on October 19 for drinks, munchies and more and a portion of your purchase will be donated to the BCRFA, or drop in anytime in October to snag Wet Willies pink ribbon merch benefitting the BCRFA.
• Wind Creek Casino & Hotel “Make a Change” (Wetumpka & Montgomery) – Wind Creek Wetumpka and Wind Creek Montgomery guests are encouraged to donate their change throughout October with all proceeds supporting the BCRFA. Proceeds from an employee t-shirt sale  will also be donated.

Additional community events and partners participating via internal fundraisers include:

• 24e Health Club (Pelham)
• Amerex (Trussville)
• America Airlines – Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport (Birmingham)
• Birmingham Squadron
• Childersburg Elks Lodge #2295
• Goose Pond Plantation Golf
• Ivy League Brew (Alabaster)
• Kamtek MAGNA (Birmingham)
• One-Mile Fun Run + Walk (Alabaster)
• Pinson Valley High School
• Premier Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (Troy)
• Sak’s with David Yurman (Birmingham)
• Tarrant Intermediate School SGA
• Zumba with Barb (Springville)

About the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama
Founded in 1996, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to find a cure for breast cancer by funding promising breast cancer research in Alabama and raising community awareness and funding for that research. BCRFA funds promote a comprehensive approach to battling breast cancer by promoting collaborative and innovative research to help diagnose, treat, prevent, and eradicate the disease. Thanks to generous community support, BCRFA’s lifetime investment in life-saving research totals over $15 million. All funding stays in Alabama, but the impact is worldwide. Learn more about our mission and breakthroughs at www.bcrfa.org.