Gateway to the Cure

In 2014 the town of Thurmont embarked on a campaign to raise awareness for breast cancer, but also raise funds for an organization in Frederick County. After a search for an organization to work with was found, it would be decided hands down that The Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund would be that organization. In October of 2014 the Town of Thurmont would move forward to launch a breast cancer fund raiser and would name this campaign, Gateway To The Cure. Thurmont’s tagline and logo is, “Thurmont, Gateway To The Mountains” so it only made sense to replace the word mountain with the word “hope” of a cure one day. In October, the town began selling Pink Light Bulbs that were supplied by local business Catoctin Lighting, and sold at the Town Office, Cousins Ace Hardware, and Hobbs Hardware. The Mayor and Commissioners asked residents to purchase a pink lightbulb and turn their pink on every evening in the month of October from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Selling pink light bulbs would accomplish both goals: raise awareness and collect donations. The second promotion in 2014 for the month of October would be to include the business community. Businesses were asked to participate in a month-long campaign by offering a special for the month and donate the proceeds, or make a monetary contribution. Promotions were very creative. One example of a promotion is Gateway Liquors contributing $1 for every pink bottle of wine sold in the month of October. The proceeds for the first year of Gateway To The Cure would bring a total of $4,500.00. How many light bulbs were sold the first year you may ask? The bulbs came in a case of 124, and Chief Administrative Officer Jim Humerick would purchase one case of 124 bulbs making the statement, “What we don’t sell this year, we can save for next year.” That is still hilarious because the number of Pink bulbs sold in 2014 were 1,385! Needless to say, Catoctin Lighting’s phone was lit up with continuous calls for more bulbs!

In 2015, a new event would enter Gateway To The Cure. This event was a 5K fun run/walk organized by CYA Track Coach John Steiner. The 5K

would be called the Gateway To The Cure Covered Bridge 5K reflective of the course that takes you through Roddy Road Covered Bridge. Also, in 2018 a golf tournament would be added to the list of events which is organized by volunteer Missy Grimes. Another event would be added in 2019 which is “Pumpkins for Pink” a pink pumpkin decorating contest.

The month-long October campaign involving our business community remains the heart and soul of our Gateway To The Cure Campaign. Thanks to the generosity of the Thurmont business community, residents, and all who purchased Gateway To The Cure merchandise, and those who came out to participate in our events, the Town of Thurmont has contributed $117,000.00 to The Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund that benefits Frederick Health since 2014.

Our journey continues in 2022, and if you would like to make a donation to the 2022 Gateway To The Cure, you may mail a check to made out to the Town of Thurmont, 11 Water Street, Thurmont, MD 21788.