Organizers and sponsors of the annual Albany Pink Walk delivered checks totaling $73,891 to the Phoebe Foundation.  Despite challenges caused by this year’s devastating storms in Albany, the March fundraiser was hugely successful, raising more money per participant than ever before.
 
Albany Pink started in 2013 with 231 walkers.  “We thought we might have 50 people, but it kept growing” said Albany Pink Founder Janet Elliott, “It’s been amazing to watch it continue to grow since then and to hear from people we’ve been able to help and support.  It has really given me and co-coordinator Erica Bliese a sense of purpose,” Elliott added.
 
Last year, nearly 1,300 walkers participated.  The number was down slightly this year following the storms that devastated our community.  Albany Pink organizers managed to prepare for this year’s event even as they came together to help with storm recovery, providing 1,000 meals for victims of January’s two disasters.
 
Each year, the Phoebe Foundation uses money raised by Albany Pink to serve breast cancer patients in southwest Georgia.  Funds raised during the 2016 event provided free mammogram screenings for 230 women, paid for lifesaving cancer treatment for 85 patients in need, and provided 37 patients with rehabilitation supplies and equipment over the last year.
 
“The caring folks who organize and participate in the Albany Pink Walk are some of the most generous and passionate supporters we have,” said Lauren Ray, Phoebe Foundation Executive Director.  “Their generosity and commitment translates directly into better health outcomes for women in our area who might not otherwise get the cancer screenings and care they need.”
 
The donation included $68,891 raised by event participants and $5,000 donated by BMW of Albany.  A $3,000 gift from Pfizer paid administrative costs associated with the event so that all registration fees could be donated to the Phoebe Foundation.  The 2018 Albany Pink Walk is set for Saturday, March 17 at Meredyth Place.