Paoli Peaks has been involved in raising cancer awareness for many years. On Saturday January 12, 2008, they hosted a "Think Pink" day fundraising event. "We had our first event in 2006-2007 to honor the women in our lives whom had developed breast cancers," said Val Dreusicke, Marketing Manager of Paoli Peaks.

Anyone who wore pink for breast cancer awareness was rewarded on the slopes. Women wearing pink received a lift-ticket discount, and anyone, male or female, wearing pink, received a free ski lesson.

Paoli Peaks also sponsors a Relay For Life team called the Snowmakers. "It’s so important to Orange County to have Paoli Peaks involved as a Relay team," said Rebecca Graff, ACS Community Representative.

"For them to use their unique status to benefit the American Cancer Society is just wonderful. A true example of how Relay For Life really is about the community taking up the fight. We have to have all facets of the community involved to succeed."

All in keeping with the theme of the day, Paoli Peaks hosted a "Think Pink" lunch, which served pink ambrosia salad, pink lemonade, and spiced apple atop chicken breast; each and every item with its own pink flair. They also held a silent auction with items varying from professional snowboards and boots to DVD players. "We raised $1,200 for our Paoli Peaks Relay For Life team," said Val.

A giant pink ribbon was painted in the snow marking the starting point of a downhill race. "Several ’Think Pink’ participants skied down Hoosier Bend as a group. They looked great!" said Val. The significance of the race was to win the fight against cancer, as the Paoli Peaks team says, "one slope at a ime."

Eric Herndon, Associate Director of the Southwest Indiana Service Center, attended the event and was excited to work alongside the Paoli Peaks Relay team, providing skiers with American Cancer Society literature regarding cancer prevention and detection. "I am reminded on a weekly basis of how cancer touches everyone’s lives and how everyone, no matter the age, wants to do all they can to help the American Cancer Society in finding a cure for cancer," he said.

Paoli Peaks had been shut down a week prior to the event due to inclement weather, but they were determined to keep planning. "We weren’t sure we were having (’Think Pink’ day) until Saturday morning," noted Val. The turn out was successful, and Paoli Peaks anticipates this being an annual event.

For more information on Orange County events and happenings, visit the Relay For Life of Orange County web site at www.events.cancer.org/rflorangecoin. If you would like to participate in a Relay For Life near you, call your American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.

Pictured: "Think Pink" participants (top left); Hoosier Bend race at Paoli Peaks (bottom right)