The community came out in support of the sixth annual Think Pink Day held Thursday.

The day of activities was designed to raise money for the American Cancer Society and breast cancer awareness and education.

In the U.S., breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, and it can strike men as well.

“The key to living and surviving is early detection,” said Paige McCardle with the American Cancer Society. “Women and men need to get their screenings.”

McCardle said the event raised more than $4,800.

The annual event — which included lunches, raffles, t-shirt sales and a mini health fair — was hosted at Anthony’s Florist.

“This effort by Anthony’s Florist shows that any group or business can help the ACS,” McCardle said. “It shows that a small home-owned business found a way to contribute.”

Dena Boyette, owner of Anthony’s Florist, said she decided to begin this project six years ago to raise people’s awareness.

“This is to raise awareness for breast cancer. We’re raising money for the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. So, we are helping people locally,” Boyette said. “We are pleased with the community’s response. We have so many people involved and we are just helping people in our community.”

Boyette said numerous groups and organizations donated and supported the event.

Money raised from the event can go towards helping women with wigs, medical testing, and other cancer-related costs. But, it also goes towards educating the public about the dangers of breast cancer.

“The people of Jones County are just phenomenal,” McCardle said. “They have really supported us.”

Laurel Mayor Melvin Mack, who also attended the event, proclaimed the second Thursday of October as Think Pink Day in the City of Laurel.

Many who attended the event praised the organizers for developing a community program designed to educate the public.

Pam Steele, Gerry Whited and Karen Pool discussed the importance of breast cancer awareness and research with many of those attending the 2008 Think Pink Day.

While educating people on breast cancer, they also talked about the importance of cancer research and the assistance that the Avon Foundation is providing to cancer research.

“We want to make people aware of the dangers of breast cancer and the work Avon is doing to help find cures to this disease,” Steele said. “We also want to make sure we stress early detection, because it’s so important.”

From 1992 through 2007, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has raised and awarded more than $525 million in 50 countries worldwide for awareness and education; screening and diagnosis; access to treatment; support services; and scientific research.

Whited, president of the American Legion’s Ladies Auxiliary Unit 11 of Laurel which presented a check in support of the event, said “it’s important to inform people about breast cancer; and hopefully early detection can save someone’s life.”

Also as a part of the day, South Central Regional Medical Center provided free health screenings as well as educational information about the disease.

“It’s making people aware of fitness screenings,” said Betty Henderson, a volunteer with South Central Regional Medical Center. “Health screenings are very helpful to the community and also help the patients discover if there is a problem.”

Reida Reddoch another SCRMC volunteer, said the special day also “makes people aware of the fact that they should know more about their health.”

Reddoch, who is also a breast cancer survivor, said “early detection is important” and encouraged everyone attending the special event to get checked.

Those attending the event also participated in a health fair that offered screenings including blood pressure and glucose.

Karen Vanderslice, community education coordinator at SCRMC, said it’s important to remind people to take care of their health.

“Researchers have made great strides in this field. So, we are here to just help people take care of their health,” Vanderslice said. “We offer a lot of health information because we are all about the community’s health.”

Supporters were also able to purchase a ribeye steak sandwich from The Smokehouse, along with chips, dessert, and bottled water or soft drink.

McCardle said the Man to Man Prostate Cancer Support Group assisted the effort by delivering plates to requested areas.

Kay Sumrall, a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, praised the local efforts and the group’s contribution to the community.

Linda Gatzman, a volunteer for the American Cancer Society, said she supported the event “for our future generations. We are working for that day when there will be no cancer.”

Boyette said the community event continues to grow.

“It’s getting bigger and bigger,” Boyette said. “It gets bigger every year.”

For more information about SCRMC’s health screenings, which are free to the public, call 601-399-6223.