October is a busy month certainly in terms of Breast Cancer Awareness. Even if you’re lucky enough NOT to have been touched by this disease, check out some of these amazing events happening in our community in support of those who have.

* Events marked with this star raise money for the Broward Health Coral Springs Medical Center’s Lisa Boccard Breast Cancer Fund, a fund helping women in need obtain free mammograms.

* Oct. 1-31 - Paint the Town Pink Bracelets - Purchase a $10 “pink” bracelet and score discounts to local merchants during the entire month! To purchase your bracelet, call the Community Education Center at 954.344.3344 or purchase at the Coral Springs Medical Center’s Community Education Center at 3100 Coral Hills Dr., Coral Springs.

* Oct. 1-31 - Brighton Collectibles Bracelet - Brighton Collectibles holds their annual Power for Pink Campaign selling their signature bracelet. A portion of each sale is donated to the Lisa Boccard Breast Cancer fund. Purchase bracelets at the Coconut Creek Brighton Store at the Promenade, 4425 Lyons Rd., Coconut Creek. More info? Call 954.968.2383.

Oct. 1-31 - Hair Because We Care – Gilda’s Club supporters and the general public are invited to get a pink hair extension to raise awareness for breast cancer. Cost: $20. There are 60 participating salons across Broward & Palm Beach Counties, including our very own Renaissance Salon & Spa (7895 N. University Dr., Parkland; 954.757.4000). Find other salons near you at www.gildasclubsouthflorida.org. More info? Call Kim at 954.763.6776 or email kim@gildasclubsouthflorida.org.

Oct. 1-31 - Look Good, Feel Good, & Do Something Good at Apricot Lane Boutiques - During October, all Apricot Lane stores will be promoting giving back with “Look Good, Feel Good, and Do Something Good,” by accepting gently worn denim and in turn will offer the customer $20 off on their denim purchase or $10 off on anything else. All gently worn denim will be donated to Women in Distress of Broward County, an agency whose mission is to help battered woman retake control of their lives.

Then on Oct.13, each Apricot Lane Boutique will host a Festive Pink Party at 6pm and will feature the newest fashions, food, drinks (adult and otherwise) and lots of giveaways. All customers will receive 20% off their entire purchase during this time. Apricot Lane will be donating 5% of profits for the month to the local Susan G. Komen chapters associated with the store location.In support of a national organization, Y ME, customers will be able to purchase a $5 off coupon for $1, with that dollar going to this national charity supporting breast cancer research. Visit Apricot Lane Boutique in the Promenade at Coconut Creek (4437 Lyons Rd.; 954.773.8515), The Shops at Pembroke Gardens, CityPlace in WPB, and the Village at Gulfstream Park. Visit www.apricotlanesouthflorida.com and like them on Facebook at Apricot Lane South Florida.

Oct. 1-31 – Martinis for a Cure – Stop by Pete’s Café Bella Sera & Steakhouse in Parkland all month long & raise a glass to finding a cure—for each martini sold during the month of October, $1 will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure! Pete’s Café Bella Sera & Steakhouse is at 7351 N. State Rd. 7 (Riverstone Shoppes). 954.346.7373 / www.petescafebellasera.com.

Oct. 1-31 - Pink Ribbon Fundraiser – Join Natura Medspa & Laser Center in the fight against breast cancer! All month long they’ll be offering special savings, raffles for the chance to win their most popular anti-aging treatments, & 10% off all anti-aging products and supplements. Five percent of all October sales will be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation. Natura is located in the Riverstone Shops, 7383 N. St. Rd. 7, Parkland. Call 954.753.4492 for details.

Oct. 4 – The American Cancer Society Look Good…Feel Better Program - A community-based, FREE, national service offering female cancer patients beauty tips to look better and feel good about how they look during chemotherapy & radiation treatments. Meets the 1st Tuesday ea. month at Coral Springs Medical Center’s Medical Office Complex Conference Room at 3100 Coral Hills Dr. Call the Community Education Center at 954.344.3344 for info.

Oct. 7 - National Denim Day – The City of Coral Springs once again supports this event to celebrate 15 years of fighting breast cancer. Make a $5 donation to the Women’s Cancer Programs of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) at www.Denimday.com. Funds raised support groundbreaking research at Lee Translational Laboratories nationwide to find less toxic, more effective treatments; development of an early detection blood test in collaboration with the Breast Cancer Biomarker Discovery Project & Cancer Support Community centers nationwide which provide emotional and social support to cancer patients and their families.

Oct. 8 - Motorcycle Ride Benefits Think Pink Rocks (breast cancer research) - Register from 10am-noon; ride begins at 12:15pm at Palm Beach Harley-Davidson, 2955 45th St., West Palm Beach, and ends at Wylders Waterfront Grille and Marina, Jupiter Pointe.  After-party includes JCB Blues Band and Bike Wash with the International Bikini Team. More info? 561.818.4424 or visit www.thinkpinkrocks.com.

Oct. 9 - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5k Walk - Honor breast cancer survivors, remember those presently and formerly in the battle, raise funds and increases awareness of the disease at Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, a noncompetitive 5K walk along the river in downtown Ft. Lauderdale to benefit the American Cancer Society. Registration is 7:30am and the walk begins at 9am at Huizenga Plaza, 32 E Las Olas Blvd, Ft. Laud. More info? Visit makingstrides.acsevents.org or contact Phyllis Pittman at 954.564.0880 Ext. 7531 or phyllis.pittman@cancer.org.

Oct. 9 – Runyon’s A Toast to Finding a Cure - Come by landmark restaurant Runyon’s and join them in their 2nd Annual “A Toast to Finding a Cure” with Salon Utopia’s owner, Cassy Cameron. The event takes place at Runyon’s on Sunday, Oct. 9, at 1-5pm. There’ll be hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, prizes, raffles & live music. Pre-Sale tickets: $40 each ($50 at the door). All proceeds benefit UM Sylvester Comprehensive Center. Runyon’s is located at 9810 W. Sample Rd., Coral Springs. More info? Call Salon Utopia, 954.757.8075, or email cassy@salonutopia.com or runyons99@aol.com.

* Oct 10-15 - Mammopalozza - The goal? Perform 1,300 mammograms this week! Everyone who gets a mammogram during this time receives a special gift along with enjoying food and raffle prizes. No physician prescription is required. Most insurances are accepted. $99 self pay (cash or credit). 7am-7pm at the Women’s Diagnostic & Wellness Center at Coral Springs Medical Center, 2901 Coral Hills Dr., 2nd floor. Walk-ins are welcome. For appointments call 954.759.7400 or www.browardhealth.org/mammo.

Oct. 10 - Not My Daughter...Find a Cure Now! Luncheon & Boutique - Hosted by local women who have personally been affected by breast cancer, this local org works towards eradicating this disease. Held from 10am-2pm at the Marriott Heron Bay, the event features shopping, raffles, entertainment & tons of fun. All proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen For The Cure. Tickets are: $60 at www.notmydaughterfindacurenow.com.

* Oct. 11 - AmeriBreasts Exhibit Tour- Visit the world’s only GIANT walk through tour of the human breasts with an emphasis on breast cancer education prevention. FREE exhibit open to the public (individual or group tours) from 8am-8pm at Coral Springs Medical Center’s Medical Office Complex, 3100 Coral Hills Dr. More info? Call 954.344.3344.

Oct. 11 – Pink Ribbon Party at Renaissance Spa & Salon – Stop by Renaissance Spa & Salon from 5:30–8:30pm for their Pink Ribbon Party! Meet the friendly staff, learn about their services, shop the Gift Boutique with cool clothing for women, accessories, make-up, jewelry & more & enjoy refreshments. Botox and other services available by appointment. Enter their raffle for a chance to win either Juvederm or Laser Hair Removal. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25. And throughout the entire month, when you get a Pink Ribbon Scrub w/Hydrating Massage or a Pink Ribbon Massage, Renaissance Spa & Salon will donate $5 per treatment to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation! 7895 N. University Dr. Parkland. 954.757.4000.

* Oct 11 - Mad Hatter’s Tea - Come wearing a creatively decorated “PINK” hat for contest judging and fun! This FREE community event includes FREE refreshments, educational booths, music, raffles, prizes, chair massage, a meet & greet with Lisa Boccard herself++. 6-8pm at the Coral Springs Medical Center’s Medical Office Complex, 3100 Coral Hills Dr. Call to reserve your seat at 954.759.7400 or visit www.browardhealth.org/events.

Oct. 14 - A Night on the Rivera Casino Night - Gilda’s Club’s signature fundraising event from 7-11pm takes place against the beautiful Ferrari-Maserati complex, 5750 N. Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale. Expect gaming tables, raffles, a silent auction, open bar, fabulous French cuisine from Chef Remi, and of course, the beautiful cars of Ferrari and Maserati. Tickets? $125 per person with all proceeds supporting Gilda’s Club South Florida programs for men, women and children touched by cancer. For tickets, to donate prizes, sponsor, or support this event, call Kim at Gilda’s Club at 954.763.6776 or email kim@gildasclubsouthflorida.org.

Oct. 15 – Yogapalooza - The Loft at Congress presents their 1st Annual Yogapalooza from 8:30am-4:30pm, with proceeds from the $20 cost benefitting The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Attendees may partake in as many as eight different yoga sessions throughout the day featuring a variety of styles. Each class is conducted by a different instructor and will be held every hour on the hour. Vendors, door prizes & giveaways, too! The Loft at Congress is at 530 NW 77th St. in Boca Raton. More info? Call Flora Doone at 561.716.5994. www.theloftatcongress.com.

Oct.16 - Cut for the Cause - Wild Hare Salon & Spa invites you to its annual “Cut for the Cause”! On Sunday, October 16 from 10am-4pm, get your split ends trimmed while raising support and funds for a great cause! Receive a professional haircut and style for only $35 with all the proceeds going straight to Gilda’s Club! For more information contact Wild Hare Salon & Spa at 561.347.8100.

Oct 17 & 18 - Stallone’s Goes Pink – Think Pink when you order from Stallone’s Italian Kitchen Oct. 17 and 18 from 11am-9pm. Proceeds from any order of Penne Alla Vodka and Pink Wine will go to the Go Pink Challenge which supports the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute/Center for Breast Care at Boca Raton Regional Hospital (www.brrh.com). Valid for lunch or dinner, take out or dine in. You can also make a $10 donation by texting “GoPink” to 20222. Stallone’s Italian Kitchen is located at 9181 Glades Rd., Boca Raton. 561.483.0009.

Oct. 17 & 18 – A Celebration of Life & Fittings - A Fitting Experience Mastectomy Shoppe is having an in-store celebration of life & fittings. Join Board Certified expert fitters Andrea Barbera & Merri Feldman from Anita International from 10am-4pm each day. Receive a free 125 year commemorative bag and a bathing suit wrap with purchase! A Fitting Experience Mastectomy Shoppe, 1605 N. State Rd. 7. Appointments are appreciated, call 954.978.8287.

Oct. 19 - 6th Annual Pink Ribbon Luncheon - 10am-1pm at Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton. Featuring Keynote Speaker, Eric Brinker, the son of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® founder and CEO, Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, and the nephew of Susan G. Komen. Tickets are $125. Event benefits Susan G. Komen South Florida. Purchase online at www.komensouthflorida.org.

Oct. 20-23 - Designer Clothes Charity Drive – Fashionista? Get your fill at this 4-day designer clothing & accessory extravaganza! 100% of the proceeds are donated to Think Pink Rocks, a non-profit organization that raises awareness about early detection & genetic testing for breast cancer. YOU gotta see this! Grab a gal pal and head over. Oct. 20: 10am-6pm ($10 donation for presale entry), Oct. 21: 10am-6pm, Oct. 22: 9am-3pm & Oct. 23: 11am-3pm ($10 bag sale day!) at Old School Square Gymnasium, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Find them on Facebook, at www.lifepubs.com or contact 610.772.0155 / badiette@aol.com info.

Oct. 22 - 10th Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer - 5K non-competitive walk to help raise funds for breast cancer awareness and research. Registration: 7am; walk begins at 8:30am at Mizner Park Amphitheatre in Boca Raton. Benefits the American Cancer Society South Palm Beach Unit, providing Services to Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach. To learn more, contact Jacqueline Nicholson at 561.394.7751 ext 5308 or via email: jacqueline.nicholson@cancer.org and visit http://putonyourpinkbra.com/bocaraton.

22 - Steps for Life - Isle Casino’s Annual Breast Cancer Walk. Take laps (3 miles) around the horse track (dogs welcome!) in this fun, community fundraising event which begins at 8:30am at the Isle Casino, 777 Isle of Capri Circle, Pompano Beach. Event includes a “Cutest Doggie Contest” (to enter your cute dog email their pic to Samantha@gildasclubsouthflorida.org by Oct. 2). $25 per person to participate. All proceeds support Gilda’s Club South Florida programs for men, women, and children touched by cancer. To register, call Samantha at 954.763.6776.

23 - Multi Generation Fashion Show & Luncheon – Presented by Coral Springs/Parkland Hadassah. Funds raised benefit Hadassah Hospitals for breast cancer research, education and treatment & support the new Marlene Greenebaum Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Breast Center. Shopping starts at 10am; with the fashion show and luncheon from 11am–3pm at the Marriott Heron Bay, 11775 Heron Bay Blvd. Reservations req’d. Send checks for $42 to: Barbara Kloor, 1827 NW 82nd Ave., Coral Springs, FL 33071. Include your telephone number and email address. For more info, call Sadelle Wruble at 954.732.2526.

Oct. 29 – Yoga for Breast Cancer Research – The Fabulous Fusion Fitness & Yoga in Coral Springs invites you to get in the pink & join them at 5pm at Anuttara Yoga Shala, 620 SE 10th St., Deerfield Beach, for a yoga class with all donations benefitting The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 954.345.YOGA / www.fusionfitnessyoga.com.

Oct. 30 - The Pap Corps’ White Elephant Sale – This fun event features a HUGE array of clothes, jewelry, cookware, home accessories, books, games+++. Treasures presented by many of the 54 chapters of the organization, who do an amazing job of raising funds for cancer research. Food & beverages will be available. 10-4pm at the South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Rd., Delray Beach. For info, visit www.papcorps.org, or call JoAnn or Andrea at 1.877.495.8100.

Nov. 5 - Think Pink Rocks 4th Annual Concert – The Mother Lode of all breast cancer events! Think Pink Rocks, a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization dedicated to the early detection of breast cancer and awareness of the BRCA gene for breast and ovarian cancer, hosts this feel-good concert with feature performances by Flo Rida, Melanie Fiona, Ray J, Shontelle and DJ Cassidy, along with local American Idol Semi-Finalist Brett Loewenstern at the Count de Hoernle Amphitheater at the Centre for the Arts at Mizner Park in Boca Raton! Tickets? $45 and available at www.thinkpinkrocks.com. Proceeds benefit Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, the Boca Raton Community Hospital Women’s Center for Breast Care, and other breast cancer research charities. In keeping with Think Pink Rocks’ wellness mission, this year’s concert will coincide with the 2nd annual Wyland Living Green Fair (www.livinggreenfair.com), taking place Nov. 5 and 6 at Mizner Park. Be there!