(9/24) The "Think Pink" event, established to bring awareness to the public regarding issues associated with breast cancer, will be taking place in Thurmont in October. Events are being held in the county under the auspices of the Hurwirtz Breast Cancer Fund, Frederick Memorial Hospital (FMH). The Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund at Frederick Memorial Hospital was established in 1999 by Jeff and Patty Hurwitz, after Patty’s diagnosis of breast cancer.

On Wednesday, October 1, businesses and homes will "officially light up the town" with pink lights at 8:00 p.m., according to Thurmont Main Street Manager, Vicki Grinder. "Everyone is asked to have their pink lights turned on each night during the month of October from 8p.m. until 10 p.m."

"The Town of Thurmont offices and buildings will be illuminated with pink floodlights during the month, too," she said. Pink light bulbs were available at the town office for $1.00 in September, with the money having been raised through their sale to go toward Thurmont’s donation to the Hurwitz Fund at FMH.

Grinder said she became involved in promoting this event in Thurmont in the wake of a similar event held in another community. "Bel Air Main Street started this campaign a few years ago, and has grown significantly and it is a great idea! I spoke with the Bel Air Main Street a few months ago, and they were very helpful in the institution of the event," Grinder stated. "We all know someone this disease has affected and it just seems like the right thing to do."

"I attend Main Street meetings where you have the opportunity to listen to what other towns are doing, and the energy and ideals are contagious," Grinder said. "I presented this idea to the Thurmont Board of Commissioners in February and Commissioner Hooper came up with the idea to spotlight the town offices pink, and thought it will be symbolic if residents as well as businesses participated."

"Town Chief Administrative Officer, Jim Humerick, came up with the idea to sell them (pink light bulbs) at the town office and donate the $1 to the cause," she said.

Regarding funds to be raised on Thurmont’s behalf, she said, "We have no expectations of a certain dollar amount our first year, so we will gauge next year's goal on funds raised this year. This is an event which can grow larger every year."

"The end goal is a community coming together and supporting breast cancer awareness, and what everyone hopes for - a cure," the Main Street manager said. "Thurmont is lighting the way via awareness and donations to the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund of FMH. The logo is representative of that goal: Gateway To A Cure."

For additional information and events, visit the fund web site at pinkribbonfrederick.org.

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