Florist Goes Pink for Breast Cancer Fundraiser

Pink may not be a normal color for fall foliage, but at one local florist a pink bouquet means more than just decoration. The  on East Main Street in downtown Riverhead is selling a bouquet of 10 pink carnations for Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.

The bouquet costs $15, with half of the proceeds donated to breast cancer organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Peggy Kneski, owner of the shop, said she was inspired to start the fundraiser this year after seeing her sons, who play on the McGann-Mercy football team, wear pink armbands and socks to honor breast cancer patients and their families.

"It was something we wanted to do to give back to the community," Kneski said.

Kneski lost both her brother and grandmother to cancer, and said that she's glad to see so many more people learning about the different forms of cancer and how to help support those in need.

"[The support] is so prevalent now," she said. "There's so much more awareness than there used to be."

She said that so far donations for the fundraiser haven't taken off yet, though she admits that she did little to advertise. Kneski also said the fall season, when pink flowers are out of style, may be contributing to the poor turnout thus far.

"Hopefully in the years to come it'll be a little more successful," she said.

Kneski said she may try to work with local schools next year to organize other fundraisers for breast cancer awareness, adding that community service is important for children.

"I think it's great for kids to learn about community and giving back," she said.