In the United States, breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Although the overall rate of diagnosis of breast cancer increased in the 1990s, it began decreasing in 2000 and has remained steady in recent years. The overall breast cancer death rate has dropped steadily over the past 22 years.
Pink campaigns have been remarkably successful in what they set out to do, namely increase breast cancer awareness and funding for research. The color pink has been used as symbols since the 1980s, initially by what’s now called Susan G. Komen for the Cure, perhaps the best-known advocacy group.
In 1990, the National Cancer Institute allotted $81 million to breast cancer research. Five years later that amount had nearly quadrupled to $309 million, and in 2014 totaled $17.2 billion.
In 2011, Green Flash Brewing Company launched the Treasure Chest program, an annual breast cancer fundraiser for Prevent Cancer Foundation nationally, and the Susan G Komen affiliates in their brewing cities of San Diego and Virginia Beach. The program begins with an annual festival, Treasure Chest Fest, which was held Aug. 27 at the San Diego brewery’s Mira Mesa location, and continues through November. For the third straight year, Green Flash will host Treasure Chest Fest at its brewery in Virginia Beach, which is Nov. 12. Through 2015, Green flash has raised more than $220,000 for various regional breast cancer charities. Once again, this year’s program will include the release of Treasure Chest beer, a fruit-forward IPA featuring Mosaic hops enhanced by the addition of fresh grapefruit juice, balanced by prickly pear juice and hibiscus flowers. Treasure Chest is packaged in bright pink 22-ounce bottles to limited national availability. The beer will also be available on draft in more than 27 US states, including Peaks and Pints in Washington state.
Green Flash has chosen Peaks and Pints to host the annual greater Tacoma party, which will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1. Join Green Flash District Sales Manager Bryan Lee for a night of special beers, giveaways and fundraising for a great cause. Peaks and Pints will pour plenty of craft beer from Green Flash and its sister brewery, Alpine Beer Company, including Lustrous Frumento Imperial Stout, Natura Morta Boysenberry Wild Ale, Passion Fruit Kicker Wheat Ale, Tangerine Soul Style IPA, Alpine Pure Hoppiness and the exotic pink Treasure Chest 2016 IPA. Green Flash will donate $1 from every Treasure Chest IPA poured at Peaks and Pints Nov. 1 to the cause, as will the brewery’s local distributor, Marine View Beverage, and a donation Peaks and Pints will match! You may take home the 2016 Treasure Chest IPA too, as we will have it available in our cooler.
Raising money for the fight against breast cancer is a cause, which is near and dear to the hearts of everyone at Green Flash. Brewery co-founder Lisa Hinkley is a breast cancer survivor and passionate about helping others whose lives have been affected by this disease.
“As a 6-year breast cancer survivor, I am thrilled to see the Treasure Chest program grow every year,” says Lisa Hinkley. “Thanks to the support of our consumers, we are proud to have raised over $220,000 dollars for our national and regional charity partners to date. I am hopeful the program will only continue to build momentum as we strive toward making a difference in the lives of individuals affected by breast cancer.”
Please join us at the 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1 Green Flash Treasure Chest night at Peaks and Pints for a fun night supporting breast cancer prevention and enjoying tasty craft beer. Expect special Treasure Chest 2016 pint glasses, raffle and Hawaiian-theme items to honor “hula gal” gracing this year’s Treasure Chest beer. We encourage your to dress for a night out in the Hawaiian Islands.
GREEN FLASH BREWING TREASURE CHEST FUNDRAISER, 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 1, Peaks and Pints, 3816 N. 26th St., Proctor District, Tacoma, no cover
