MONROE, CT — After surviving her own breast cancer scare years ago, Bonnie Maur, a longtime teacher at Chalk Hill and Jockey Hollow middle schools, started the Think Pink Monroe initiative, recruited committee members and volunteers and spread awareness on the importance of routine mammogram screenings.
Now, six years later, Think Pink Monroe is a nonprofit organization, raising funds to provide financial support for town families impacted by cancer, raising awareness and running support groups.
“Every year, we have grown and we’re helping the community,” Maur said during an interview in front of the Town Hall Gazebo Tuesday afternoon. “People think residents in Monroe don’t need support, but there are people everywhere who really do.”
As the organization grows, Maur said more volunteers are needed to help run its events and to share ideas. To volunteer, reach out to her at thinkpinkmonroe.com or call Maur at 203-339-1753.
Maur, who is optimistic about this year, stressed the importance of routine checkups to catch cancer early, before it spreads.
“If we can save one life by having someone get checked who needs to, then we did our job,” she said. “We also need to make people aware that men can get breast cancer too.”
The gazebo is decked out with pink banners, which also adorn the ornate lampposts on the Monroe Town Hall grounds. The Think Pink Palooza & Cornhole Tournament will kick off a new fundraising season this October.
The annual event is scheduled to be held from noon to 3 p.m. this Sunday, Oct. 6, on the Monroe green at the corner of Monroe Turnpike and Fan Hill Road.
“All are welcome, not only to show their support, but to have a great family day,” Maur said. “The kids games are free. We’ll have face painting, pumpkin painting, and rock painting for the garden at Wolfe Park. It’s just another way to bring the community together.”
The event will also have speakers, food trucks (The Coop, Addeo’s Italian Ice, and Kettle Corn), and entertainment from Masuk High School’s music groups and cheerleaders.
Maur said the Pink Palooza will have a big Masuk influence with over 40 student volunteers and support from the volleyball team, which is “coming out in force.” A culinary class at Masuk will have a bake sale.
Cornhole teams needed
A big part of the fun is the Cornhole Tournament, sponsored by Edgerton Inc. Maur said more teams are needed. There is a $60 entry fee per team and a maximum of 32 teams can sign up — first come, first served. Preregistration is required.
To enter, pay the $60 entry fee by Venmo (@ThinkPinkMonroe) or by making a donation to ThinkPinkMonroe.com. Then send an email to [email protected] with both team member names and phone numbers. For information, call or text Matt at 203-895-3518.
This year’s tournament will feature a double elimination. A $600 prize will be awarded to the champs with $200 for the runner ups.
Events schedule
The following is the listing for this year’s Think Pink Monroe events. For information, visit the website.
- Oct. 6: Think Pink Palooza & Cornhole Tournament
- Oct. 9: Dine at Monroe Social (494 Main Street)
- Oct. 16: Dine at Country Pizza (418 Main Street)
- Oct. 19: Walk of Hope
- Oct. 23: Dine at Monroe Social
- Oct. 25: Pink Out Masuk Football Game
- Oct. 29: Pink Out Party hosted by Monroe Social
Pink Games for Masuk Sports
Masuk girls soccer played a game on Oct. 1.
- Oct. 4: Girls Swim & Dive
- Oct. 7: Field Hockey
- Oct. 8: Cross Country
- Oct. 10: Boys Soccer
- Oct. 10: Girls Volleyball
- Oct. 25: Football/Cheer/Dance
Merchandise
All respectful comments with the commenter’s first and last name are welcome.
