Pink up the place

The exterior of the Honda Center in Anaheim threw off a healthy pink glow Monday night.

The building was illuminated by 110 pink floodlights placed around its perimeter. Drivers passing by on the 57 Freeway were also able to see the signature Susan G. Komen breast cancer ribbon logo displayed on the east side of the building.

The hockey arena, one of the most recognizable buildings in Orange County, threw some high-wattage support behind the O.C. affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation’s “Close the Gap: Komen Community Challenge” initiative.

Lisa Wolter, executive director of the local affiliate, said the group wants to draw attention to the urgency and need for breast cancer early detection and treatment in Orange County and across the state.

“I love the idea of turning the center pink to make people think,” Wolter said.

The group chose the Honda Center because it is a “central, iconic building in Orange County,” it’s easily visible from the freeway, and it has been involved with promoting other Komen events in the past.

Tim Ryan, chief operating officer and executive vice president of the Honda Center of Anaheim and the Anaheim Ducks was 100% behind the idea of lighting the center to get people’s attention. Ryan also recently became one of the Pink Tie Guys, a group of Orange County leaders in business and industry who have joined in the fight against breast cancer.

“It’s all about raising awareness, which leads to early detection.”

Ryan said if seeing the building glowing pink triggered a woman to think about doing a self exam and getting her annual mammogram, actions that could save a life, the event would be deemed an overwhelming success.

Both Ryan and Wolter said they hoped that by now, the color pink has become synonymous with breast cancer awareness.

Several months ago, all National League hockey teams had players using pink hockey sticks during a game, which were then autographed and auctioned off on the teams’ websites to raise money for breast cancer research and awareness. In addition to the building being lit, representatives from the Komen Foundation passed out fliers on breast cancer awareness to more than 15,000 people who attended the Ducks vs. Predators game that evening.

The Sony Diamond Vision screen inside the arena flashed informational messages throughout the game, and television coverage included background information on why the center was bathed in pink as well.

Lighting the Honda Center is the prelude to a bigger and more forceful message the O.C. group, along with other California Komen affiliates, will be bringing to the state capitol in Sacramento Jan. 17 and 18.

Wolter said a contingent including Komen volunteers, breast cancer survivors, board members, staff, and concerned community members who feel strongly about becoming involved in breast cancer health and detection, will be attending the Rally and Lobby Day Jan. 17.

A breakfast and community educational symposium will take place the following morning.

HOW TO HELP

Anyone interested in joining the group traveling to Sacramento Jan. 17 and 18 can call the OC Komen Affiliate office at (714) 957-9157. Airline and hotel vouchers have been donated.

SUE THOENSEN may be reached at (714) 966-4627 or at [email protected].