Springfield is being invited to turn pink throughout October as residents and local businesses come together to raise awareness for breast cancer and show support for the many people in our community whose lives have been touched by the disease.

Pink Out Springfield was created by Springfield resident Christy Emmons, who also coordinates the YMCA’s After Breast Cancer (ABC) program. ABC is a free program that helps breast cancer survivors find strength, connection, and confidence as they navigate life after a breast cancer diagnosis.

“I wanted to create something that would bring our community together and make breast cancer awareness visible throughout Springfield,” said Emmons. “There are so many people in our community whose lives have been touched by breast cancer, and this gives everyone an opportunity to show their support.”

The inaugural Pink Out Springfield will feature four community-wide ways to participate:

TURN YOUR PORCH PINK

Beginning October 1, residents are encouraged to replace their outdoor porch light bulb with a pink bulb.

The goal is to create a visible show of support throughout Springfield—one pink light on one porch becoming hundreds of pink lights across the community.

Residents are encouraged to photograph their pink porches and share them on the Pink Out Springfield Facebook page to encourage others to participate.

CEMC and Walmart have already stepped forward to support Pink Out Springfield by helping provide pink light bulbs for the community.

Building on that support, Pink Out Springfield is creating “Bright Idea Pink Out Bags” that will be available free to community members while supplies last.

Each bag will include a pink light bulb, along with educational materials and resources focused on breast health, screenings, and the importance of early detection.

The idea behind the bags is simple: the light bulb represents more than turning on a pink light—it represents a bright idea: taking a moment to learn, be informed, and be proactive about your breast health.

PAINT THE TOWN PINK

Local businesses are invited to decorate the outside of their businesses in pink for a friendly decorating competition.

Businesses will compete for a traveling trophy and the title of Springfield’s Pinkest Business.

The competition gives local businesses an opportunity to be creative while joining together to support breast cancer awareness.

PINK MENU CHALLENGE

Restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and other participating food businesses are being invited to create a pink-themed menu item during October.

Participating businesses will donate a portion of the proceeds from their Pink Menu Challenge items to the YMCA’s After Breast Cancer program, helping support the free program and the breast cancer survivors it serves.

PINK CRAWL

Pink Out Springfield is inviting the community to wear something pink and join us for a day-long Pink Crawl on Saturday, October 24, as participating businesses throughout downtown Springfield come together to support breast cancer awareness and celebrate the strength of our community.

The Pink Crawl will give residents and visitors an opportunity to spend the day exploring participating local businesses, enjoying special pink menu items, and showing their support for Pink Out Springfield.

A special Pink Crawl Passport will encourage participants to visit participating businesses throughout the event.

Participants will receive a passport and collect a stamp at each participating location. Completed passports may be entered into a drawing for a prize donated by local businesses and community supporters.

Together, these initiatives are designed to create a community-wide display of support—from pink lights glowing on porches, to businesses decorated throughout town, to pink menu items bringing people together while supporting local breast cancer survivors.

The community response has already begun, with local businesses and organizations stepping forward to help make Pink Out Springfield possible.

“I’ve been so encouraged by the people and businesses who have already said they want to be part of this,” Emmons said.

Pink Out Springfield will take place throughout October, with opportunities for residents and businesses across the community to participate.

For more information about Pink Out Springfield or the YMCA’s After Breast Cancer program, contact:

Christy Emmons
(901) 491-4400
cemmons@ymcamidtn.org