01 Oct 5th Annual Dewey Goes Pink 5K October 3rd
Most people in our communities have been touched in some way by breast cancer, and know how devastatingly difficult it can be to watch a woman they love go through the process of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. When you lose someone to breast cancer, the pain of that loss never truly dissipates, and the ways in which we honor people become ingrained in us. For Steve “Monty” Montgomery, honoring his mother’s loss to breast cancer has turned into a beautiful, celebratory weekend in Dewey Beach which many know as The Gugie Run, or Dewey Goes Pink.
Following the loss of his mother, Montgomery connected with Adam Howard, whose own mother continues her battle with breast cancer. The two decided to channel their grief and frustration into Dewey Goes Pink. That was five years ago, and today, the weekend has grown in every way. From the number of participants, to the weekend’s celebrations, and the amount of money they have been able to raise, the love these two men have for their mothers has blossomed, extending its reach into the community.
Dewey Goes Pink, (a 5K run/walk) raises money to help fund essential research in the fight against breast cancer for The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition (DBCC). Montgomery’s mother had worked hard to help raise funds through Rehoboth Beach Country Club for the Susan G. Komen foundation, but advised him to keep his efforts local just a few short months before her death. She was always impressed with the DBCC and how they kept their funds within the local community, helping people right here on Delmarva. She told Monty, “You have local businesses that depend on the folks that live here, your efforts should go towards helping each of them in this community by supporting the DBCC.”
In many ways, the weekend is Montgomery’s way of carrying his mother’s torch into the future, helping to give others better outcomes in the fight against breast cancer. And of course, you can expect the flamboyant fun that only The Starboard can serve up, with everyone decked out in their craziest pink duds and costumes!
Of the event, Montgomery says, “While this weekend may be special to me and my family because of my own mother, its really grown to such a huge event for so many to honor or remember their own loved ones in a special way. It’s gratifying to co-host an event with Adam, where we not only raise money for the local Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, but where so many good folks get to come enjoy some Starboard hospitality and celebrate their own loved ones along with family members.”
Montgomery and Howard would like to personally invite you to come and support the women of our community. There are so many ways to become involved, from forming a team to sponsorship to simply making a donation of any size. Come and out feel the camaraderie of this truly special event. This years event is close to sold out, as the total number of participates locks out at 2200, and they are already past 1600.
The fun will kick off on Friday evening with the pre-race packet pick-up from 4-7pm. Then the nation’s best Springstreen tribute band,Bruce in the USA will be at The Starboard at 9PM, free of charge. The run will commence on Saturday, October 3rd, with packet pick up beginning at 9:30AM and the run at 12:00PM. Following the run, Bethany Blues will be feeding the crowd some amazing roast pigs from Rieley Brother’s Farm, and celebratory PINK Ruby Red Crushes will flowing along with Michelob Ultra!