It seems like everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer at some point in his or her life. You always see fundraisers of some kind or groups that help towards a great cause.

Paint the Town Pink is a great example of how Austin and area communities come together to help this cause and raise money for breast cancer research.

I was able to take part in some of the events that went on throughout Austin this past week. More than 200 brave souls raised money and then jumped into the ice cold waters of East Side Lake all for this great cause to raise money for cancer research. All of the outfits were definitely fun to look at it. Some people get very creative. I think the group that took the top in creativity was the Smitty’s team with Jeremy Olson and Chad Thomas jumping in pink speedos with pink suspenders. This is just one of many teams that were out there braving the cold, while I stood as a spectator with my jacket and gloves on cheering everyone. I have true appreciation for all of those people that jumped into the lake that Saturday.

Several businesses throughout the week had specials and donated part of their proceeds to the Hormel Institute. It’s awesome to see all of the support that our local businesses give.

Even our area communities got involved with fundraisers and decorating to help support Paint the Town Pink and raise money for the Hormel Institute.

We were able to end the week with Paint the Rink Pink with the Austin Bruins. This was a packed house. Every seat was sold. They were able to raise more than $25,000 in one night. The Bruins players auctioned off their jerseys and did some entertainment for the crowd.

Thank you to all those volunteers that are on the steering committee for this event. You guys put a lot of hard work into this. Thank you to the businesses that donate their goods, services or cash donations. Thank you to community for all of your support. It feels good to be a part of a great community that is so willing to give and help with the research for cancer.