(9/25) Thurmont’s annual Gateway to the Cure has kicked off its 11th annual fundraising efforts toward breast cancer research.

Economic Director Vickie Grinder announced at the kick off that the pink light bulbs will not be available for purchase this year as they have in previous years. The supplier is no longer able to produce incandescent bulbs. The Town researched alternate options online, but were too expensive for the fundraiser. However, Grinder encouraged residents who have bought the lights in the past to continue to turn on their pink lights from Oct. 1-31. Other merchandise such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. will be available this year to support the cause. The town is reintroducing mugs for $10 that were sold out two years ago. The Town is also accepting monetary donations by check to the town office.

Pumpkins for Pink will also returning this year, a pumpkin painting contest. "We’re involving the businesses so much already and we’re so appreciative of all the businesses, but this gives children a way to help," Commissioner Wayne Hooper said. The Town plans to display the painted pumpkins at Weis, where residents can vote for their favorite pumpkins for $1 per vote. All pumpkins must be submitted at Weis by Oct. 7 to be submitted in the contest.

Over the last 10 years, the Town of Thurmont has donated over $160,000 to The Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund through all of the events they’ve put on. The dedicated funds raised to date have come from multiple sources involving the Thurmont business community, with several new fundraisers added over the last several years, including the Covered Bridge 5K.

The Covered Bridge 5K is scheduled for Oct. 19. Participants can register can register online, via downloadable application or by calling the town office with the same $35 registration fee. Walk-up registrants are also welcome. Entrants can walk or run and strollers are permitted on the course.

The Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund began in 1999 and is used to support early cancer detection methods at the Stockman Cancer Institute in Frederick, which provides access to the diagnostics County residents need without having to travel far from home.