This year’s 10th annual Paint the Town Pink is nearly upon us and to up the excitement the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce held their Business After Hours at The Hormel Institute Tuesday night.

Hundreds attended to show their enthusiasm for the event that was started with one hockey game 10 years ago.

“Ten years ago the Austin Bruins had the idea to hold an ice hockey game with the proceeds going to cancer research,” said Hormel Institute Director of Development and Public Relations Gail Dennison. “What we aim to do is raise money to fund research to cure all cancers.”

The crowd gathered got to learn about the PTTP effort, goals and the overall impact of the event that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer research and seed grants.

PTTP Director Kathy Finley praised all of those that take part every year in Paint the Town Pink including the businesses that turn out each year to further a cause right here in their own community.

“What you do for Paint the Town Pink and the support you give, not only for Paint the Town Pink, but all the causes goes above and beyond what is expected,” she said.

But Finley also touched on all the ambassadors and the work they’ve done over these 10 years. It’s been their stories that have added such an impact to PTTP.

“We are so very thankful to our wonderful ambassadors throughout the years,” she told the crowd. “Thank you for all of you, for sharing your stories. It’s a private thing, but you put it all out there.”

This year’s Paint the Rink Pink is at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8 at Riverside Arena. For a comprehensive look at the PTTP activities, visit hi.umn.edu/pttp/.