Real Men Wear Pink: Three Friday Fundraisers Planned

SARASOTA — Every October selected ambassadors for Real Men Wear Pink of Sarasota-Manatee hosts fundraising events throughout the Sarasota-area to raise funds for the American Cancer Society in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Things are a little different this year, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, said Bethany Lynch, senior community development director for ACS.

“Typically, in a normal world, in a normal year, we have 25 (male) campaign members committed to raising a minimum of $2,500 each,” she said.

They do this by hosting events throughout the community, wearing pink every day during October and reaching out to those in their network for donations to ACS.

“They’re usually out there spreading our mission and awareness,” Lynch said. “This year is obviously a lot different. We have fewer people doing it, but the goal is still the same. This is vital fundraising to pay for the research that we do.”

Most of the men are hosting virtual fundraisers and raffles, rather than in-person events because of safety concerns. Usually, the men working with Real Men Wear Pink of Sarasota-Manatee would host around 15 events in a season.

There are still three events taking place in the Sarasota area Friday, though. While the Tequila for Tatas event hosted by Kevin Thompson, manager of Gecko’s, is sold out, tickets are still available to two other events.

Bacon & Brew for Breast Cancer Awareness takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. at CoolToday Park, located at 18800 South West Villages Parkway in Venice. Single tickets are $50 and $75 per couple. Entry includes beer and wine, a signature cocktail, bacon-themed appetizers, celebrity bartending, a silent auction and karaoke. Tickets to this event, which is hosted by Hugh Shield, can be purchased here.

NBP Fiesta! Friday runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, located at 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle in Sarasota. The Black Honkeys perform Friday and there will also be food and drink available. General admission tickets for those 15 and older are $10 and can be purchased here. This event is hosted by Stephen Rodriguez.

Learn more about Real Men Wear Pink of Sarasota-Manatee, meet this year’s ambassadors and find out how to donate to ACS here.