Chris Guido didn’t know that real men wear pink.
To be more accurate, he did not know about the American Cancer Society’s “Real Men Wear Pink” campaign, in which community leaders are nominated to spearhead fundraising drives for the society to raise awareness and help fund research to battle breast cancer.
“A friend of mine, Jim McMahon, was nominated, and we went to the opening event,” said Guido, a partner with All Saints Brewing in Hempfield. “I told my wife and daughter how cool it was, and that I didn’t even know this type of event went on.”
When he was invited to the McMahons’ closing ceremony, Guido found himself as a nominee for 2020 along with his family.
“I had no idea how to do this type of fundraising,” he said.
With covid restrictions leaving him unable to hold an event at All Saints, Guido and family organized it at their home, with food, raffles, bands and more.
“I can’t believe we were able to raise more than $13,000,” Guido said. “People kept telling me, ‘You have to do it again,’ so we are.”
The Guidos’ second “Real Men Wear Pink” fundraiser will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday at their property, 322 Gweedo Lane in Salem. The $40 ticket includes food by 724 Cuisine and Elegant Catering and live music from local bands First Light, the Cash Out Show and Sourmash.
The event also will include a 50-50, basket raffles and more.
“We got so much good feedback from the party last year that we’re probably going to try and make it an annual event,” said Guido’s daughter, Taylor. “The other day, my dad was already brainstorming for next year.”
For more on the event, or to reserve a ticket, call Taylor Guido at 724-454-0005.
For more about the campaign, see Facebook.com/RMWPGweedo.
