‘Think Pink’ gets Iola touch

A recent article about a fundraiser for Patty Patterson coincided with an anonymous donor from Yates Center, who happened to meet Patty’s daughter, Carmen.
Carmen Patterson was working at State Street Liquor when the donor handed over $100, to give to “whoever could benefit.”
Carmen, obviously, thought of her mother, who is undergoing treatment for cancer.
“I was in the hospital at the time, and she brought the money by, but I really didn’t think that was what he had in mind,” Patty Patterson said of the donor. “We wanted to do more good with it.”
So, Patty solicited the help of a group of school-aged girls — all in the third to sixth grade — and purchased about $100 worth of scrapbooking supplies.
The youngsters then went about making “think pink” reminder cards that can be sent to women of all ages, encouraging them to undergo regular mammograms to help detect breast cancer.
The cards have the word “hope” on one side and a small message reminding women that despite their busy lifestyles, they should take time for regular mammograms.
The cards will sell for $10 for a bundle of 10, with all proceeds going to Spirit of Pink, a local fundraising group dedicated to fighting breast cancer.
The card-making effort will continue on a weekly basis through September so the cards can be distributed in October — National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The goal, Patterson said, is to make 480 cards.
“That’s what we have supplies for,” she said. “We’d  really like to give Spirit of Pink $500 when this is finished.”
The cards will be available in Iola at  Class  Act  Salon, Salon Nyne, Party Girls, Terry Sparks State Farm Insurance, Duane’s Flowers and Town Square Tannery in downtown Iola. Or, they may be purchased by calling 228-9959 or 363-2956.
A group of youngsters will help with the next batch of cards at 4 p.m. Friday at Patterson’s home, 1148 2000 St.
Others are welcome to assist.
AS AN ASIDE, a group of Patterson’s friends have planned another fundraiser for her benefit on Oct. 2.
A bake sale, complete with silent auctions and musical entertainment will be at Fellowship Regional Church, 202 S. Washington Ave. in Iola from 5 to 8 p.m.
Those looking to donate a silent auction or baked food item should call 365-8001 and leave a message.