Expedition Inspiration Fund for Breast Cancer Research invites the Sun Valley community to ?Paint the Town Pink? from July 23-August 4 in the name of breast cancer research.
?The eleven day effort includes five different events that we hope will appeal to a range of ages, incomes and interests,? said Expedition Inspiration Executive Director Katie Powell. ?We want this community to understand that one in eight women continue to be diagnosed with breast cancer, and there are many ways you can join Expedition Inspiration in finding breast cancer cures in our lifetime.?
Paint the Town Pink Week kicks off with the construction of the art installment ?1 in 8? designed by local artist Danica Mattias on the Sun Valley Road field. Expedition Inspiration will collect community submitted names of breast cancer survivors, those lost to the disease and other loved ones on their website to be featured on special tribute flags that will be interwoven with the installment. The tribute will remain on display until August 5.
Mattias? future mother-in-law recently went through breast cancer treatment. "When I was approached about this idea, I immediately thought about her and didn?t hesitate to get involved. My goal for this project is to spread awareness about breast cancer in a meaningful and creative way: I hope this project encourages local organizations to use art as a way of connecting with the community."
Mattias, Expedition Inspiration, and local youth volunteers will create a series of eight large-scale (4-5? diameter) woven balls. One of the eight balls will be distinct to visually represent the one in eight women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.?
Made from reed, each ball will be interwoven with the tribute flags. They will also feature glow-in-the-dark aspects and pink solar lanterns so the exhibit is visible at all hours.
To submit a name, go to www.expeditioninspiration.org/Events_Paint_the_Town_Pink.php. The submissions can be anonymous and free with an optional donation towards breast cancer research.
The week continues with a Back Alley Party at the Wicked Spud featuring Folk Band Slow Children Playing on Wednesday, July 25, at 5 p.m. Drink and raffle proceeds will go towards Expedition Inspiration?s breast cancer research efforts. Attendees can count on great outdoor deck seating, beer, wine, burgers and fish tacos.
Expedition Inspiration will team up with Ochi Gallery on Thursday, August 2, from 8-10 p.m. to host a speakeasy themed evening of over-the-top fashion performance from artist Bella Boombox and neon light installation from LA based artist Laddie John Dill. Relatives of breast cancer survivors will model, and breast cancer information will be tied into the evening in fun, unpredictable ways.
?There is so much information out there today about breast cancer, which is great, but in my experience a bit daunting,? said Ochi Gallery Director Pauli Ochi. ??I hope this event will present information in a fun and unpredictable way. ?This is a cause close to my family?s heart, so I?m so happy and honored that EI thought of partnering with us.?
The evening will also feature music, cocktails, a raffle and t-shirt sales. The event is free, with a $10 suggested donation at the door, and for those 18 and older.
?This event allows us to send a message of being aware and proud of your own body; of women?s bodies. In short, it comes down to girl power,? said Marketing and Development Director Krista Detwiler.? ?I think this is especially important for women of my generation who may not have felt the devastation of breast cancer within their peer group yet. EI is fighting to make sure they never have to feel that.?
Next up, Director Scott Farquharson will travel to Ketchum for the local premiere of his documentary ?Expedition Inspiration? at Ketchum Town Square on Friday, August 3, at 8 p.m. ?Spectators can enjoy free admission, walking the pink carpet, popcorn, drinks from The Cellar and ice cream from Leroy?s. Expedition Inspiration asks that you bring your own chair or blanket to enjoy the film.
?Our movie documents the stories of five regular people as they climb Mount Borah, the highest peak in all of Idaho,? said Film Director Scott Farquharson. ?Some Expedition Inspiration climbers go up the mountain as a way to reclaim their body from disease while others climb in memory or support of friends and family who suffered from the deadly disease. Together we find out what motivates them to undertake this grueling climb, and what keeps them going as they face their fears, work through the exhaustion, and make their way to the summit.?
Farquharson also interweaves the life story of Laura Evans, the woman who founded Expedition Inspiration. Laura founded Expedition Inspiration after her own bout with breast cancer as a way to raise funds and motivate others to find a cure more than 15 years ago.
The week wraps up with Expedition Inspiration?s main event, the Women?s Health Associates Take-A-Hike and Climb for a Cure on Saturday, August 4. The day begins at 7 a.m. for those who?d like to take on the challenge of climbing Otto?s Peak (10, 458 ft.) led by Sawtooth Mountain Guides, and at 2 p.m. at Boundary Campground for hikers.
Entrance for climbers is $250 and entrance for hikers is $25, which includes dinner and a blank tribute flag that can be filled in with a lost loved one?s name. Hikers can choose from three different trails of varying difficulty. Dinner from Calle 75 Tacos and music will follow at Boundary Campground until 6:30 p.m. along with a special surprise from Sun Valley Paragliders? Club.
Participants are encouraged to fundraise prior to the event for their chance to win prizes offered from Sun Valley Paraglider?s Club, Smith Sport Optics and special edition ?Idaho Is a State? t-shirts.
?We hope to raise $25,000 in total from our Take-A-Hike and Climb for a Cure,? said Expedition Inspiration Chair of the Board Nancy Knoble. ?We so appreciate our donors? participation and fundraising efforts.?
To register for the Take-A-Hike or Climb for a Cure, submit a name for the art installation, or for more event information, visit Expedition Inspiration?s website at www.expeditioninspiration.org. You can also follow #PaintTheTownPink and @BreastCancerEI on Twitter for fun, up-to-date information.
Expedition Inspiration seeks to find cures in our lifetime by raising funds to reach new heights in breast cancer research by bringing together leaders in the field at an annual Symposium, sponsor Young Investigator Award grants, encourage challenging physical activities and increase breast cancer awareness.
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