Power of Pink raises $40K this year for 6 recipients
By Kyle Troutman ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
In the past 13 years, Power of Pink has donated more than $360,000 to local women battling breast cancer, and this year, the organization donated to its 50th recipient.
Janice McCrackin, Power of Pink founder, said the milestone was reached on May 14, when six recipients split the $40,051.93 raised this year, getting $6,675.32 each.
Originating in 2010, Power of Pink is a Wheaton-based organization aimed at helping women fighting breast cancer.
“We write them checks to use for whatever they need,” McCrackin said. “It is used for anything from bills to taking a vacation to take some stress off. In the past, we’ve from recipients these funds have saved their homes, saved their cars, and some of the letters we get from the ladies afterward are just amazing.”
McCrackin said one recent recipient said the donation literally saved her life.
“A woman from last year sent us a letter saying the ladies always talk about what the donations helped them save, and she said, ‘You saved my life,’” McCrackin said. “She could not pay or her medication or get any help to cover it, and with the money we gave her, she was able to continue with her treatments.
“It’s a lot of work, but that’s what it’s all about, and that makes it worth all the work we do.”
This year’s recipients included Linda Forrest, Brenda Kelso, Vicki Forester, Misty Lane, Jill Teter and Patricia “Patty” Dunne, two of whom are from Purdy and Monett.
No Power of Pink officials are paid, and 100 percent of the money raised goes to recipients. Reaching the 50th recipient this year, McCrackin said, was an exciting accomplishment.
“It was a special moment,” she said. “Looking back, it’s amazing we’ve been able to help that many women. We hope for no one to have breast cancer; that would be amazing. But, we will continue to help as many women as we can as God allows us.”
McCrackin said the economy this year had an effect on donations and Power of Pink walk participants, but the lower figures had little effect on morale.
“This was a tough year because everyone seemed strapped and didn’t have the normal amount to give,” she said. “I was worried, but God provided. We set a goal every year to give each recipient $10,000, but as long as we can give them something that makes an impact, that is what we want to be able to do.”
Walkers in the Power of Pink event were down from last year’s 500 participants, likely due to economic pressures, McCrackin said.
“We were still very pleased with the turnout,” she said. “We also had two of the best auctions we’ve ever had. The grand total was down, but everyone was excited, had a good time and enjoyed themselves at the events.” The staying power of Power of Pink, averaging $24,751 in donations annually, is a testament to the community and neighbors supporting neighbors.
“Breast cancer hits so close to home,” McCrackin said. “It could be me tomorrow, or one of my kids, or someone’s mom. It’s a disease that can happen so quickly, and women know how fast it can affect someone you love, or you.
“Another thing is people see the money all goes directly to the women. There’s no corporation or association where anyone is making six figures to keep the organization running.”
The staying power holds among recipients, as well, as many choose to pay it forward.
“To see how many former Pink Ladies have helped the new ones is amazing, and i’ve already had some from this year reach out about doing something for next year’s ladies,” McCrackin said. “They all stay in contact with one another and have their own little support group.”
Some of that support even comes from beyond. McCrackin said after the death of former Pink Lady Ashley Matern, more than $2,000 was donated in her memory.
“They asked in lieu of flowers to donate to Power of Pink, and that is pretty amazing,” she said. “The family was also at the event to support us, and I know that was hard on them, but it was sweet they did that.”
McCrackin said anyone who wishes to get involved with Power of Pink should reach out.
“We really feel like we are going to have to move the banquet soon because it was so packed this year we didn’t have any room to mingle,” she said. “We’re looking to find a bigger place and hope that will help us grow. We also want to get more businesspeople involved, not only donating auction items but supporting the event and getting involved. That will also help us continue to grow.”
McCrackin said how the organization has come this far is by the power of God.
“We don’t raise this money,” she said. “It’s our feet and hands God is using to do this, and it’s the help of the community. It’s not just us, but everybody. We just do the best we can to follow His instructions.”
