During the month dedicated to heightening breast cancer awareness, the Nevada County Sheriff's Office and local fire agencies teamed up for their annual "Pink Patch Project," raising more than $10,000 to support cancer research and services. The campaign saw law enforcement and fire personnel donning pink patches while performing their duties throughout Nevada County. Selling these patches along with challenge coins and other memorabilia, the seven participating agencies were able to donate all proceeds to local breast cancer programs, as reported by the Nevada County Sheriff's Office on Facebook.
The Grass Valley Police Department, one of the agencies involved, found a warm response from the community for their custom 2024 Pink Patch sweatshirts and shirts. Adding to the sales was the effort of Tina West, Grass Valley Police Department's Evidence Technician and Pink Patch Coordinator, who remarked that the sales of shirts and sweatshirts were more than what they could have anticipated. "Many people commented how excited they are to collect a new t-shirt and sweatshirt design every year," West told the Nevada County Sheriff's Office.
October's fundraising events weren't just limited to merchandise sales. A variety of events throughout the month drew in the crowds, including a Pink Patch Pickleball Tournament, which on its own brought in nearly $4,000. Amy Moon, Deputy Probation Officer III, who headed up the tournament with the support of partnerships, explained the pickleball competition's success. "The pickleball tournament alone brought in just shy of $4,000," said Moon, implying the event's contribution to making this year an outstanding one for fundraising efforts, as reported by the Nevada County Sheriff's Office.
The collective efforts culminated in a total of $10,411 raised, with $9,686 going to the Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation and $725 to the Tahoe Forest Health System Foundation. Representatives from the participating agencies presented the funds to SNMHF on Tuesday, offering a sizable check that symbolized the community's support and dedication, according to the Nevada County Sheriff's Office.
Acknowledging the artistic contributions, two individuals were recognized for their designs becoming the front and back of this year’s challenge coin: first place went to the Moyer Family of Grass Valley; with second place awarded to Miranda Bacon also of Grass Valley. Looking forward, another breast cancer challenge coin contest is anticipated to open in the summer of 2025, promising the return of the Pink Patch Project festivities next October in Nevada County, as per the Nevada County Sheriff's Office.
