Marini Becomes First Farm In The Region To Bring Pink To The Pumpkin Patch

Rows of pink pumpkins are brightening up the pumpkin patches at Marini Farm this fall - in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The farm is donating a percentage of every pink pumpkin sold to the Pink Pumpkin Patch Foundation for cancer cure.

The first farm in the region to sweeten up the pumpkin patch with the bubblegum-colored pumpkins, Marini grew these pink "Porcelain Doll Pumpkins", as they are called, for the first time this year. Besides the different color, these pumpkins also add variety to the palette. As a cross between pumpkin and squash, they have a deep ribbing and a more plump shape, with a sweet flesh which can be used for pies, soups, and other gourmet culinary dishes.

Marini was also the first farm in the region to grow white (or "lunar") pumpkins, which they started producing in 2010. The color is really the only differentiating feature between them and the more traditional orange pumpkins, although the white has been know to make some terrific jack-o-lanterns with glow-in-the-dark effects when properly lighted.

The commitment this year to pink pumpkins is part of Marini's philanthropic efforts to "give back".

"Our grant application committee is looking for qualified breast cancer researchers with a solid program and a high percentage of dollars spent on actual research", said Don Goodwin, president of the Pink Pumpkin Patch Foundation. "We want to award the monies raised to well-deserving organizations in hopes of getting closer to finding a cure for this devastating disease."

Hundreds of farms across the U.S. are participating in the Pink Pumpkin Patch Foundation program, and are donating a share of proceeds from every pink pumpkin sold to organizations dedicated to breast cancer research. Based on this year's sales of the pink pumpkin seeds, the foundation anticipates grants awarded to total between $100,000 and $500,000. The organization is urging people to make their pink pumpkins visible on their porches this month to show their support in putting an end to breast cancer.

"With so many families affected by cancer, we wanted to contribute to the cause and show our support to all the families who have been affected", said Mike Marini, owner/operator of Marini Farm. "We feel this program will catch on with all pumpkin growers and will make a difference in providing much needed grant funds for cancer research."

According to the American Cancer Society, about 1,638,910 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2012, and about 577,190 Americans are expected to die of cancer. It is the second most common cause of death in the U.S., exceeded only by heart disease, accounting for nearly 1 of every 4 deaths. The future outlook is alarming with about 1 in 8 U.S. women developing invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.

Thankfully, these celebrity women survivors (click here for link) are providing hope and inspiration to many and are using their clout to boost breast cancer awareness.

Marini Farm encourages you to think PINK in October and beyond, and support cancer awareness and research. The farm also plans to expand its pink pumpkin patches in the coming years and stay committed to supporting cancer research.

Written by Blogger Pros