Gymnasts Raise Over $160,000 for Women with Breast Cancer
West Chester, PA - March 29, 2011 Almost 1,500 gymnasts from the Mid-Atlantic states raised over $160,000 to help women with breast cancer at the 2011 Pink Invitational Gymnasts Unite meet held February 25-27. Proceeds from the three-day competition and outreach event beneit Unite for HER (UFH), a breast cancer nonproit organization dedicated to providing programs and initiatives that educate, empower and restore. Hosted for a third year by AJS Pancott Gymnastics NTC, located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, the Pink Invitational brought a message of unity, hope, and joy to so many families.
The Pink Invitational was so much more than a gymnastics meet. The event inspired teams to give to others in need and encouraged these young female athletes to become philanthropists in their own communities. This year, 25 teams held local fundraisers and collectively raised over $45,000 for UFH. The girls and young women participating in the event received educational information about simple yet important choices they can make to guard their health and wellness, including an introduction to organic and 100% natural products. The Pink Invitational also featured speakers and local artists that gave their time and talent to support women with breast cancer.
New this year was the BRAVADO Inspirational Art Exhibit and Auction, sponsored by GK Elite Sportswear. Celebrity gymnasts such as Nastia Liukin, Shawn Johnson, Shannon Miller and many others joined community members and participating gyms to create embellished sports bra masterpieces that were displayed at the Pink Invitational. Each aspect of the event was designed to educate, increase awareness, encourage unity, and raise funds for women affected by the disease. Pink Invitational founder Sue Weldon believes the success of this outreach comes from the generous and unwavering support shown by the local and gymnastics communities. She is humbled each year by the outpouring of donations and sponsorships that have enabled the Pink Invitational to raise a total of over $350,000 in the last three years.
For more information about the Pink Invitational or Unite for HER, please visit their respective websites at pinkinvitational.com and uniteforher.org.
