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INDIANAPOLIS —The down pouring rain stood no match against the flood of support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month as the Colts turned the Indianapolis Downtown Canal pink on Friday October 5, 2012. Presented by Hard Rock Cafe, the "Pinking of the Canal" is an annual Colts event supporting the NFL's national "A Crucial Catch" campaign. The initiative celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month and encourages annual screenings for women over the age of 40. Due to the inclement weather, the "Pinking of the Canal" festivities were moved indoors to the Indiana Government Center South Atrium.
More than 400 participants, donned in the traditional Colts blue and white with pink accessories, made their way indoors to the free event. Guests were greeted by a giant pink ribbon inflatable and live music by "Dave and Rae" as they visited each of the partner booths: American Cancer Society, Hard Rock Cafe, Indiana University Health, the Indianapolis Colts Women's Organization and Pink Ribbon Connection.
During the afternoon event, Hard Rock Cafe provided $6 boxed lunches and sold limited edition Pinktober merchandise. Coca-Cola contributed bottled water and pink lemonade for sale. Proceeds from both partners benefited the Pink Ribbon Connection.
Colts Cheerleaders were on-hand to sign free limited edition Colts pink posters and Colts Mascot, Blue, made a special appearance in a pink costume made especially for the occasion. Other pink perks included special edition t-shirts sold by the Indianapolis Colts Women's Organization with all profits donated to the Indiana University Simon Cancer Center. Members of Zeta Tau Alpha also volunteered by passing out pink ribbons.
At 12:15PM, event participants weathered the rain to watch the canal turn pink. The ceremonial dye was poured into the Ohio Street Basin by Indianapolis Colts Vice Chair and Co-Owner Kalen Irsay, Indianapolis' First Lady Winnie Ballard, American Cancer Society Central Indiana Manager Jodi Pickens and Breast Cancer Survivor Lisa Miller. Within a matter of seconds the canal turned a vibrant pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Colts fans and event attendees were also given the opportunity to sign a special Colts flag in honor of someone in their life who has been affected by breast cancer. The flag was then carried by Blue as he led the team onto the field during the Colts' "A Crucial Catch" game on October 7 against the Green Bay Packers.
Check out photos from Pinking of the Canal here.
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