In their fight against breast cancer, the Sandy Hook Sole Sisters (SHSS) & Friends have kicked off their third annual fundraising campaign to “Tie The Town Pink.” October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the SHSS effort includes hanging large handmade pink bows throughout the community and as a special gesture to friends and family affected by the disease.

Each ribbon represents a $15 donation toward local cancer-related services. To purchase a ribbon, visit the group’s Eventbrite site. The public can also purchase ribbons from SHSS members directly on October 10, when they participate in the 5th Annual Passport to Sandy Hook. Ribbons will be available that day at Sandy Hook Hair Company, 102 Church Hill Road.

The SHSS will make a donation to Ann’s Place this year. Ann’s Place of Danbury is a community-based cancer support center.

“In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we use this event as a way celebrate those who have survived, honor those we’ve lost and continue to fight for those we hope are never diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Kathleen Young, the organization’s leader. “We believe these ribbons will inspire hope and remind us that we are surrounded by a caring and compassionate community and no one is alone.”

Volunteers will also deliver, or help surprise a friend, neighbor, or family member with, a special “Pink Ribbon-Gram” which will include a personalized card. Deliveries are restricted to addresses within Newtown. Those living outside of town may order ribbon(s) and arrange for pickup in Sandy Hook by sending an e-mail to .SHSoleSisters@gmail.com

All contributions are processed by Sandy Hook Sole Sisters’ 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 learn more about the Sandy Hook Sole Sisters, visit shsolesisters.org or the group's Facebook page.

How Donations Help

For its first two years, the Sandy Hook Sole Sisters focused on raising funds to participate in the NYC-Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. The team raised the required $1,800 participation fee for each walker on the team. As a result, the group donated in excess of $50,000 to the Avon Foundation for Women, which helps supply much needed screenings and treatment, as well as funds for breast cancer research, awareness, and education.

In 2014 the team’s fundraising efforts yielded more than was required for the Avon Walk. That year, the group was proud to provide local support by donating an additional $3,000 to Ann’s Place in Danbury. Earlier this week, the Sandy Hook Sole Sisters once again notified Ann’s Place that it would be the recipient of SHSS support with a 2015 donation in the amount of $5,000.

“We are honored to be a chosen beneficiary,” said Anthony Zeolla, president/CEO of Ann’s Place. “These ladies have demonstrated such admirable strength and commitment to their community. Their act of generosity and kindness inspires hope for all those affected by cancer.”

Ann’s Place is a nonprofit community-based organization that offers counseling, support groups, wellness activities, referrals to community resources, and education programs, all at no charge. For more information, visit annsplace.org

Inspired To Give Back

Founded in 2013, the Sandy Hook Sole Sisters & Friends is a volunteer-driven, charitable organization based in Sandy Hook, which supports cancer patient-related programs. The group was formed in response to the massive outpouring of love and support bestowed on our community following the 12/14 tragedy, and their mission is to pay it forward and return help and support to those in need.

Focusing on breast cancer, these ladies inspired as mothers, sisters, daughters, friends, and even survivors — they know all too well how breast cancer can affect lives.

“I remember the shock most of all. I was a mother with young kids and the world just sort of spun for a while,” said Adrian Dandrea, one of the SHSS’s founding members and among several cancer survivors associated with the organization. “Giving back was very grounding and empowering experience. I’m pleased to know that our efforts are helping to those on the journey behind me.”

Special Thanks

The SHSS members extend their thanks and gratitude for the many supporters, friends and volunteers who make these efforts possible — including two local businesses. This month, Bagel Delight will be selling pink bagels and Holy Cow will be featuring a pink-themed ice cream flavor. Both will be allocating a portion of their proceeds to help fund the SHSS initiatives.

Additionally, SHSS continues to benefit from wisdom and guidance of the Soul Ryders, of Rye, N.Y., which helped inspire the organization’s mission.