December 11 Announced as National Pinky Swear Day

PRESS RELEASE

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Pinky Swear Foundation, a Twin Cities based non-profit organization that helps kids with cancer and their families, has announced that today, December 11, 2014, will be National Pinky Swear Day.

12 years ago, nine-year old Mitch Chepokas, terminally ill with bone cancer, made a pinky swear promise with his Dad to always help children with cancer and their families after he was gone. Mitch passed away on April 11, 2003, and shortly afterwards the Pinky Swear Foundation was established by Mitch’s parents, Steve and Becky Chepokas, to honor the Pinky Swear Mitch made with his Dad. To date, over $4.5 million has been given to brave kids battling cancer, all of which went to ease the financial and emotional impacts experienced by these families during a very challenging time.On this, the month of the 12th Anniversary of Mitch’s original Pinky Swear with his Dad, we’re honoring Mitch and his wish of helping kids with cancer and their families.

Minnesota Governor, Mark Dayton, has signed an official State of Minnesota Proclamation declaring December 11, 2014 to be “Pinky Swear Day in Minnesota” and later that night, the iconic I-35W Bridge in Downtown Minneapolis will be lit orange in color.

The orange lights, symbolizing the Pinky Swear All-Star kids and their families fighting cancer, will come on just before sunset on Thursday and will remain on until sunrise on Friday.

“We are excited to celebrate National Pinky Swear Day!” said Brian Nelson, Executive Director of Pinky Swear Foundation. “A pinky swear is the most sacred promise someone can make. Our helping kids with cancer is that same level of commitment and passion.”

Also, Pinky Swear Foundation social media sites will be encouraging people to join in the celebration by executing their own Pinky Swear promise to help kids with cancer. Photo’s, video’s, and vines tagged with #PinkySwearDay will posted on-line throughout the day. Metro area Brueggers Bagels and Papa John stores will be offering discounts throughout the day to customers who show their “Pinky Swear” and Northwestern Mutual will be matching all donations that day up to $11,000.

Complete details are on www.PinkySwear.orgThe Pinky Swear Foundation will again host its signature event, Pinky Swear Kids Triathlon, the Worlds Largest Kids Fundraising Triathlon, next summenew r, August 1st at Lake Nokomis, for the 12th consecutive year. Other long-time events sponsored by the Foundation include a family Twin Cities Premier New Years Eve Party, The Pinky Swear Gala on April 11th (Mitch’s Heavenly Birthday), a clay-shooting event, and other unique programs.

For information on all of these events and programs, go to www.PinkySwear.org

For more information about Pinky Swear Foundation and National Pinky Swear Day, contact:
Amy Mauzy
Director of Marketing
(612) 812-4439
amy.mauzy@pinkyswear.org