In 1985, October was sanctioned by the American Cancer Society as the official month of breast cancer awareness. The month most associated with costumes and candy has become predominantly acquainted with pink ribbons.

Each year thousands of business entities and organizations throughout the U.S. sponsor charities and events to help raise money for breast cancer patients, survivors, and research. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and the Seminole Tribe are among the many contributors who support the fight against breast cancer. This year they will be sponsoring three events.

First up is the 2nd annual Hard Rock Half-Marathon and Pink Panther Prowl. The half marathon and 5k/10k event will be held Oct. 6 at the Junior Cypress Rodeo Arena on the Big Cypress reservation. The half marathon starts at 6 a.m. while the 5k and 10k races start at 7:15 a.m. Awards will be given for different age groups, and those who cross the finish line will earn a medal.

The second event – Making Strides of Tampa presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa – will take place Oct. 20 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa. A non-competitive 3-to-5-mile walk will begin at 9 a.m. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, a fund raising campaign conceived by the American Cancer Society, has a goal this year for the event to raise $ 760,000 by Oct. 27.

The third event is the Making Strides of Broward sponsored by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. The walk will take place at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 27 at Huizenga Plaza in Fort Lauderdale. Its goal is to raise $740,000. More information about these events can be found at makingstrides.acsevents.org and raceplace.com.