Pink Ribbon Tree Lighting for Breast Cancer Awareness in Southampton

Southampton Village will soon be aglow with pink light in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Tonight (Tuesday, October 1) at 6:30 p.m. all are welcome to come downtown and join the Ellen Hermanson Breast Center, the Coalition of Women’s Cancers at Southampton Hospital, the Southampton Chamber of Commerce and the Village and Town of Southampton for a special tree lighting ceremony that will literally shine a light on breast cancer awareness.

The annual Pink Ribbon Tree Lighting is just the kickoff for a month-long series of “Paint the Town Pink” events and activities aimed at combating breast cancer in October, explains Susie Roden of the Ellen Hermanson Breast Center. Roden and former Southampton Chamber Executive Director Millie Fellingham conceived of the first tree lighting more than a decade ago and they continue to organize it each year.

“It’s a sweet little ceremony,” Roden said, noting that her late mother used to say an Irish blessing at the lighting, so they still do it in her memory. The village trees will be lit in orange and pink lights so they can shine all day and night, Roden said. The orange lights appear pink in daylight, so they stay lit until dusk, when the pink lights are turned on. Pink pumpkins will also be on display.

The pink lights stay on throughout the month of October and remind the community about the hazards of breast cancer during this important month of recognition.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues with a Real Men Wear Pink Cocktail Party on Saturday, October 5 from 5–7:30 p.m. at the Maidstone Club Tennis House in East Hampton, followed by the San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons on October 5–6, from 10 a.m.–10 p.m., on Good Ground Road in Hampton Bays, the Shelter Island 5K in Shelter Island and the annual Birdhouse Auction on Saturday, October 19 (look for more details soon).

To participate in tonight’s Pink Ribbon Tree Lighting, stop by the Southampton Chamber of Commerce (76 Main Street) at 6:30 p.m. Call 631-726-8715 for more info.