Bald Head Island Goes Pink: Surpassing Expectations

The first weekend of October on Bald Head Island was dedicated to ‘going pink’ - a phrase nationally coined to reference the support and awareness raised for breast cancer research. Coinciding with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Bald Head Island teamed up with the Susan G Komen Foundation for the second year in a row to put on a variety of events to raise funds and voices for a disease that directly affects so many of us. 

 

In what has been a testament to the Bald Head Island community, the 2nd annual event surpassed everyone’s expectations in terms of both attendance and fundraising. On Saturday, participants enjoyed a morning of Bald Head Island yoga, a sold-out lunch and fashion show, and a packed tour of several designer homes across the island. On Sunday, over 100 walkers and runners joined together for a 5k Turtle Trot sponsored by the Bald Head Conservancy, and later attended an evening Chapel Service to honor loved ones and give strength to those currently going through hard times. 

 

 

 

October 2014 began the first year of the Bald Head Island Pink Weekend, an initiative started by relatively new Island homeowners, Barbara and Len Miller. Barbara and Len had moved to the Island just two years prior and had been involved with the Susan G Komen Foundation previously in their Floridian community. After seeing the ‘amazing community’ and ‘safe haven’ of people on Bald Head Island, they knew it was the right place to bring their support for an issue so close to their hearts. 

 

Expectations for the first year were minimum, as the husband and wife duo had no idea what they what they would raise or who would participate. However, last year saw such a successful turnout that they set a goal this year to double last year’s results. The final numbers are yet to be in, however Barbara says it looks promising that they will make their goal. 

 

 

 

Susan G Komen representatives were also on the island to join in the festivities, but not to see how much money was raised. According to Barbara, it was more about the people. 

 

“We’re so proud of everyone we’ve met. Raising money is one thing, we’re thrilled, but more importantly it’s about people coming together for a cause. This is something we’re passionate about, and so many people got on board with it that we’re overwhelmed. So for us, that’s what it’s really about.”

 

 

When asked to share her proudest moment from the weekend, Barbara’s voice lit up as she shared the inspiring story of Alex Phillips, a 14 year old high school girl from Richmond, Virginia. 

 

“One day last year when we were selling raffle tickets, Alex showed up to ask if she could donate 35 framed photographs she had taken of the Island. She had matted and framed them herself and wanted to donate any proceeds she made to breast cancer research in memory of her aunt, who had recently passed away from the disease. By the end of the weekend, Alex’s photographs had sold out and she had raised $350 for the Susan G Komen Foundation.” 

 

“This year, Alex came back with her whole family and not just with photographs, but also note cards, post cards, and more framed pictures. This time, Alex Phillips raised over $900.”

 

“Here is this 14 year old girl - an unbelievable photographer, I might add - who said 'Ok, we’re going to do something about it’ and I am just so proud of her.”

 

Alex is just one example of what makes the Bald Head Island community so special. For more information on how you can get involved in upcoming Bald Head Island events, please contact us here. 

 

For more information on the Susan G Komen Foundation, please visit their website here.