As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to an end, we look back at some of the events that the Gainesville community took part in to raise awareness and funds to aid in the fight against breast cancer.

First Magnitude Brewing Company hosted a night of comradery and fun at their Survivors for Research: College Football Watch Party on Sep. 29. Participants were able to enjoy live music, watch college football and enjoy great beer — all while raising $901 for triple-negative breast cancer research at the UF Health Cancer Center!

On Friday, Oct. 5, the Panera’s North Central Florida cafes generously donated 100 percent of profits from every Pink Ribbon Bagel sold directly to local breast cancer research efforts. Last year, Panera donated almost $6,000 to breast cancer research here at UF Health. The pink ribbon shaped bagels flavored with select ingredients, including cherry chips, dried cherries, honey, vanilla and brown sugar made the opportunity to go pink for breast cancer extra sweet.

Gainesville residents got out their walking shoes for the 5K that runs pink! The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer was held Saturday, Oct. 20 in downtown Gainesville. This year, 388 walkers participated and $19,900 were raised! This money enables the ACS to fund groundbreaking breast cancer research; provide free, comprehensive information and support to those touched by the disease; and help people take steps to reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it’s most treatable.

The Levy County Horse Club Trailriders presented the 18th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Trail Ride on Oct. 20. The event included a poker ride for a minimum donation of $10 per hand. Riders were encouraged to go at their own pace and enjoy being in nature. Prizes were awarded for best “dressed up” breast cancer themed horse and rider.

Breast cancer survivors and their loved ones gathered for Survivors for Research Inc.’s Party on the Patio on Oct. 25th at the Great Outdoors Restaurant in High Springs. All money raised that evening and throughout the month was donated to the researchers at the UF Health Cancer Center.

On Oct. 28, cyclists took part in the 7th annual pink cycling event. The Pink Pumpkin Pedal-Off is a charity bike-ride throughout scenic Gainesville. Riders had their choice of four different routes: 10-, 22-, 40- or 62.5-miles. All three routes included a tour of the beautiful University of Florida campus, Gainesville’s restored depot and historic areas and the traffic-free Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail.