5K for the Cause: Paint Gwinnett Pink
Some events fill a calendar. Others become part of a community's story. Now in its 11th year, Paint Gwinnett Pink has turned a morning walk into one of Gwinnett's biggest displays of hope, raising millions for breast cancer care while bringing thousands together in a sea of pink.
Paint Gwinnett Pink began with one simple question: How could Gwinnett do more for neighbors facing breast cancer?
The answer came from the passionate hearts of Jennifer Griffin and Bobbie Menneg. After working closely with women battling breast cancer, they saw that the challenges stretched far beyond medical treatment. Patients also faced transportation issues, childcare needs, lost wages and other everyday obstacles that often made an already difficult journey even harder.
Together with healthcare professionals and community leaders, they believed Gwinnett could make a difference. That idea became Paint Gwinnett Pink.
Ten Years, Millions Raised
Since launching in 2016, Paint Gwinnett Pink has raised more than $3.8 million for Northside Hospital facilities in Gwinnett. Just as importantly, every dollar has stayed local, directly supporting breast cancer patients within the community.
The inaugural event quickly exceeded expectations, becoming the largest walk supporting breast cancer at the time in Gwinnett. Paint Georgia Pink Inc. helped get the event off the ground, while volunteers, sponsors and community members embraced the mission from day one.
Early supporters included:
- Metro Waterproofing
- Clyde and Sandra Strickland
- Suburban Hematology-Oncology Associates
- Dr. Kimberly Hutcherson
Their support helped establish what has become an annual tradition centered on celebration, remembrance and community.
Even during the pandemic, Paint Gwinnett Pink adapted by hosting a virtual event, ensuring the mission never stopped.
More Than a Walk
Today, Paint Gwinnett Pink continues to grow because nearly everyone has been touched by breast cancer in some way. Participants run, walk, volunteer, donate or simply show up wearing pink because they know the cause matters.
As founder Jennifer Griffin puts it:
"Paint Gwinnett Pink was created to support those fighting breast cancer, celebrate survivors, and remember the beautiful lives lost to the disease."
Longtime participant Cindy Murphy has watched that impact unfold since the very beginning.
"I have participated in all of them. The first eight years I was a Foundation Staff Member, where I saw the impact of quality cancer care in our community. Our community has access to mammograms for early diagnosis as well as programs and services to aid in healing. Prior to year nine, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That puts it all in perspective. At year 10, I attended as a survivor and cancer free.”
The next chapter begins when Paint Gwinnett Pink returns to Gas South District on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The opening remarks begin at 8 a.m., the Survivor Celebration starts at 8:15 a.m., and the 5K begins at 9 a.m.
Whether you're honoring someone you love, celebrating survivorship or walking in support of the cause, Paint Gwinnett Pink is another opportunity to help keep life-changing breast cancer care close to home.
