The Sandy Hook Sole Sisters (SHSS) & Friends were at work this week to “Tie the Town Pink,” hanging large pink bows throughout Sandy Hook Center and along Berkshire Road to launch breast cancer awareness month.

They have also been conducting a fundraising campaign. Ribbons of Hope are for sale for $10 to support the team’s participation in the annual two-day, 39-mile Avon Walk for Breast Cancer–NYC on October 18 and 19. Money raised will be applied to the $1,800 per walker requirement for team members. Excess funds will go toward local cancer support services.

Another fundraising event will be on Saturday, October 11, between 10 am and noon: SHSS Cover The Court. The public is being invited to help the team literally cover the basketball court at Dickinson Park, on Elm Drive, with spare change.

Last year, a team of about 20 women from Sandy Hook participated in the Avon walk with another 50 Sole Ryeders from Rye, N.Y. — many were the same Rye women who hosted a Mother’s Day event for mothers of Sandy Hook Elementary students following 12/14. Collectively, they contributed approximately $140,000 to benefit The Avon Foundation for Women. The Sandy Hook Sole Sisters donated excess 2013 funds to Ann’s Place in Danbury.

Rye team members offered both the idea and initial materials for the “Tie the Town Pink” fundraiser. Sandy Hook teammates Beth Hegarty, Heidi Werner, and Mai Tran went to Rye last month to learn the bow-making techniques firsthand and get a better understanding of their fundraiser model.

“Tie the Town Pink is a simple and fun way to support a worthy cause while honoring family, friends, and neighbors affected by breast cancer,” said SHSS member Christine Wilford, who began selling ribbons to area businesses earlier this week. “Our team shirts read We Choose Hope, and this is our small way of getting us one step closer to a cure. We’re extremely grateful to all those who have helped us along the way.”

In return, the local team dedicated the largest bow of the town — hung on the Welcome to Sandy Hook sign at the corner of Berkshire Road and Pearl Street — in memory of Paula Raskin, who was among the Rye team members who had welcomed and walked with the Sandy Hook team last year.

Sandy Hook teammate Aimee Tabor said, “She offered us friendship and asked for nothing in return. She understood too well the preciousness of life and showed us how to fight with grace, dignity, and kindness. Sadly, Paula lost her battle with stage 4 breast cancer in September and now rests amongst our angels.”

Supporting the team with one of the first ribbon purchases was MaryAnn Jacob, Legislative Council member, Sandy Hook Elementary School staffer, and breast cancer survivor.

“This year, I had the honor of chairing our town’s annual Relay For Life event. Grassroots efforts like these are at the heart of our battle with cancer and the reason more of us are survivors,” said Ms Jacob. “I applaud the Sandy Hook Sole Sisters for their dedication and continue to be inspired by their journey. Working at the school, I know many of these ladies and their children personally. It’s heartwarming to see a group convert grief into such a profound and productive act of kindness.”

All contributions are processed by Sandy Hook Sole Sister’s fiscal partner, FJC, a foundation of charitable funds and registered 501(c)(3). All donations to the fund maintained at FJC are fully deductible to the extent allowed by the IRS.

To purchase a Ribbon of Hope bow for $10 or for more information on how to support the Sandy Hook Sole Sisters and their efforts, visit Facebook/SandyHookSoleSisters or send e-mail to SHSoleSisters@gmail.com.