The Huntsman Cancer Foundation (HCF) will hold its Pink Park City, a ski day to conquer all cancers, a bit differently this year. Due to the ongoing pandemic, Pink Park City 2021 will transform to a virtual month of giving throughout March. Though the on-mountain activities will not happen, participants and donors will celebrate together, remember loved ones, and advance lifesaving cancer research at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) on a virtual platform. Many of the past participants are Davis County residents.

 “While the current pandemic has restricted our ability to gather on the mountain, it is important to still hold Pink Park City to create a place of hope and strength for those who battle cancer, and those who support them.  Cancer continues to be diagnosed.  Research continues regardless of other events, and our friends in Park City and beyond continue to inspire and generously give to support research,” said Susan Sheehan, President and COO of Huntsman Cancer Foundation. “We have a community of individuals who are passionate about supporting cancer research, and we are excited to celebrate their efforts every time.”

During its first two years, Pink Park City raised an impressive $245,000 for cancer research. In 2020, Pink Park City was on track to reach its goal of $300,000 before in-person events shut down due to the pandemic. Fundraising halted at just over $177,000. 

“Since we are not able to have this event in person, we are calling on our extraordinary participants, donors and supporters to center this year on the mission of Huntsman Cancer Institute,” said Jen Murano, director of events at Huntsman Cancer Foundation. “This year’s campaign event will focus on individuals who participate and all those affected by cancer.”

“The money raised through this year’s event goes 100 percent to cancer research,” said Raegan Erickson, event coordinator at HCF. “We’re disappointed we can’t come together on the mountain this year, but the purpose remains the same – life-saving cancer research – just as it has in our ski days at the Canyon Village.”

Erickson said there are several ways for the public to participate. Once they go to the website at pinkparkcity.com, individuals can make a cash donation, or set up their own fundraising page and encourage family and friends to take part. “They can share on their individual pages why they are helping raise money, why it’s important to them, and perhaps do it in the name of a loved one,” she said. She added that the foundation will in turn send an email card to that individual signifying a donation has been made in their behalf.

“Participating in Pink Park City is the best way they can donate and also show support for those impacted by cancer,” Erickson said. “Gifts can also be designated to an area of greatest need or to a specific type of cancer research – again, something they can do on the webpage.”

She said the work of the foundation is known worldwide, with hospitals and doctors sharing information from Huntsman research in many nations and communities. 

“Our goal with Pink Park City is that it’s a celebration about people – the progress, research and the amazing community of individuals we’re involved with here at the Institute,” Erickson said. “We’re so grateful for all who have registered both this year and in years past, as well as our sponsors and partners for their patience and continued support. The institute has been working on cancer research for over 20 years and is completely dedicated to this mission. We invite the public to join us in this important fundraising event.”

To learn more about Pink Park City, make a gift, or create a fundraising page for the upcoming March 2021 campaign event, visit pinkparkcity.com.