As a survivor I realize how important it is to raise awareness and attend fundraisers and help provide support because there are lots of people out there that don’t have the support that they need to get through this battle.
— Maggie Weinstock, 15-year breast cancer survivor
Pink Pumpkins With a Purpose
Local ladies zuzh up Pink Pumpkins for a Purpose.
Click on image to watch short video feature.
28 September 2026 – SANDWICH, MA – Pink Pumpkins with a Purpose brings a creative multi-generational activity to raise awareness and support funds for those battling breast cancer on Cape Cod. This twist on pumpkin decorating benefits the Ellie fund and is one of several awareness and fundraising activities during October, Breast Cancer Awareness month.
What is Pink Pumpkins with a Purpose?
In Sandwich, tucked into the back of Scenic Roots on 6A, fall colors took a surprising turn of hue the last Sunday in September. Orange pumpkins turned pink!
It was all of a good cause, though. The pink was part of an awareness and fundraising event for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the event brought together people for a multi-generational pumpkin decorating day.
What is breast cancer awareness month?
From October 1st through the 31st people across the country unite to raise awareness, promote early detection, and support patients and survivors affected by breast cancer.
“We decided to do this just to crate a sense of community and support for anybody here on the Cape who is going through breast cancer,” said Pink Pumpkins with a Purpose organizer Martina Mehl.
What does pink pumpkins support?
As a six-year breast cancer survivor herself, Mehl understands the issues facing cancer patients. She started Pumpkins With a Purpose to raise funds for the Ellie Fund,, a registered 501C(3) non profit organization.
The Ellie Fund provides what Mehl describes as essential practical support — which could be anything from food to rides to any other logistical need that someone might have.
Why did the event begin?
Mehl started Pink Pumpkins With a Purpose as a fun creative way to both build community and raise funds to support the Ellie Fund. Pumpkin, paint, and sparkles are donated and anyone can participate at no cost. A $25 donation brings home a pinked-up pumpkin.
What does the Ellie fund do?
The Ellie fund services help ease the stresses of everyday life by providing things like grocery and gas gift cards, medical escort services, parking expenses, help with light housekeeping and child care or senior care expenses. They also offer help with integrated services such as Acupuncture, Oncology massage, Reiki or other healing practices.
“The Ellie Fund in particular is so wonderful because they give practical support,” said Mehl. “And when we fundraise here on the Cape, the money we raise stays here for patients here on the Cape.”
What difference does the fund make?
Fighting cancer brings challenges beyond just health care — and events like Pink Pumpkins supporting the Ellie Fund helps both fill the gap and raise awareness that a gap exists.
“I know how difficult this journey is,” said Pink Pumpkin participant and 15-year breast cancer survivor Maggie Weinstock.
“As a survivor I realize how important it is to raise awareness and attend fundraisers and help provide support because there are lots of people out there that don’t have the support that they need to get through this battle.”
