The "Pink Pumpkins for a Purpose" initiative is making its return for the 2026 Fall season, marking its third consecutive year encouraging residents of Bismarck, Mandan, and the surrounding areas to participate. The campaign calls on community members to paint their Halloween pumpkins pink as a show of support and a means to raise funds for local families impacted by cancer.
Organizers emphasize that cancer has touched "almost every person in Bismarck, Mandan, and the surrounding areas." The primary goal of this year's effort is to raise money for the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing crucial treatments and support to local individuals and their families, thereby easing the significant burden and stress associated with cancer diagnoses and care.
Several local entities have teamed up to bring back the initiative. These partners include Jump Works, Clothes Mentor, Puklich Chevrolet, and the Bismarck Cancer Center itself, alongside the Hot 97.5 app, which serves as a central platform for community involvement.
Participation is designed to be simple and integrate with existing Halloween traditions. As residents visit stores or pumpkin patches to select their pumpkins for carving and decorating, they are encouraged to also acquire pink paint or other pink decorations. Any form of pink adornment on a pumpkin will qualify for the campaign. The next step involves uploading pictures of these pink pumpkins directly to the Hot 97.5 app. For every unique pink pumpkin picture submitted through the app, $1 will be donated to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation. This donation pledge will continue until a total of $750 has been reached.
Last year's campaign saw a donation of $500 to the cause, thanks to community participation. This year, organizers are aiming to surpass that amount significantly, hoping to raise "a whole lot more." The campaign specifically highlights its focus on helping those affected by breast cancer throughout the month of October, aligning with breast cancer awareness efforts.
The organizers describe the event as a "fun twist on a Halloween tradition" that many residents already plan to observe. Community members are encouraged to upload as many different pink pumpkin pictures as they wish, with the understanding that each submission contributes to the fundraising goal. The collective effort from residents and sponsors aims to demonstrate widespread support and care for those in the area currently fighting cancer.
