Eighth annual Dewey Goes Pink smashes fundraising efforts

A bubbly energy abounded from the mingling crowd Oct. 6 for the eighth annual Dewey Goes Pink and Gugie Run, a 5K run/walk. More than 3,000 people turned out to support the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and the fight against breast cancer at The Starboard, and to collect some of the good vibes that were positively everywhere. 

For founders Steve “Monty” Montgomery and Adam Howard, the day is personal, but also broad in that it’s come to mean so much to the community and those continuing their battles with the disease. As Montgomery addressed the crowd ahead of the race, he said, “It’s great when we can make fundraising fun. So many of you use this spectacular event as a vehicle to honor, remember or spend time with your loved ones, friends or neighbors, and the fact it raises such needed funds for our local breast cancer coalition is just fantastic.”

From DelDOT to the local and state police, to the staff at both The Starboard and Bethany Blues, and, of course, the teams who raised money and sponsors who donated in monetary form and to the silent auction, this year’s Dewey Goes Pink was a massive effort. And it was a record-breaking fundraising year, likely topping $100,000. This brings the eight-year total up to more than a half-million dollars donated to the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. All the money raised stays in Sussex County to benefit women undergoing treatment for breast cancer and the support services they need.

As Kristen, lead singer of Kristen and the Noise, took the platform, the crowd faced the flag and the bustling, noisy streets of Dewey Beach fell silent for her smoky rendition of the national anthem. Following the cheers at the starting line, runners ceased their enthusiastic jumping, stretching and knuckle cracking, and put on their best game faces in preparation for the countdown. And then they were off.

Streams of people – more than 2,500 participants in the race alone – flooded the streets. Back at the finish line, there were some far ahead of the pack, including the overall male winner, Francisco Puac, and overall female winner, arguably the star of the day, 12-year-old Madi Todd. Masters winners were Mike Sewell and El Jones. For more results, go to races2run.com.

After the race itself, the day broke into revelry as the pre-race tension dissolved and was replaced with fellowship and camaraderie. The Starboard was host to a great party, including a buffet featuring a pig roast by Bethany Blues and pizza courtesy of Grotto’s.