For the last five years, AIP Marketing Alliance and AIP Financial Services have combined their efforts to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer through the American Cancer Society. The Team AIP collaboration of AIPMA’s Vice President of Marketing, Darron Markwood, and President Brian Kurtz of AIP Financial Services, hopes you can help their fundraising efforts.

Team AIP continues their tradition as Men Wear Pink of Oakland County ambassadors for the American Cancer Society, with Markwood also being named the chairperson of the group in 2023. Men Wear Pink consists of local businesspeople who commit to raising a minimum of $2,500 in donations, raise awareness for the cause through social media networks, and wear pink throughout October.

“I’ve been a supporter of the American Cancer Society and their efforts for more than a decade as I have had many friends and family members impacted by breast cancer,” Markwood said. “Between the Making Strides walks and Men Wear Pink, I focus on providing fundraisers that give back to the charity as well as the businesses supporting our efforts.

“Breast cancer affects so many loved ones in our lives. Two years ago, one of my good friends was diagnosed and thankfully has beaten cancer as she is in remission. This year, I recently learned that my godmother/aunt was diagnosed and is starting treatment this month. She is my inspiration for 2023’s campaign… as these events always tug at my heartstrings when I meet survivors and fighters in person.”

As part of the Men Wear Pink of Oakland County, Team AIP is joining a group which has raised more than $300,000 in some years and hopes to make a donation of over $135,000 in 2023. Some of the other MWP groups include the Real Men of Orion, Real Men of Oxford, Michael Pesendorfer of M3 Investment Services, Chad Toms of Reliance One, Gary Wall of Waterford Township, and Jerry Price of Corewell Health. The Oakland County team hopes to add a few more ambassadors in September/October.

“Every person and every dollar counts as we combine efforts to raise donations and awareness throughout October – some of our team members already have events scheduled and received donations!” Markwood said. “Team AIP and the Men Wear Pink group appreciate everyone’s support and generosity!”

Team AIP has scheduled the following fundraising events for September and October.

• Men Wear Pink Golf Outing, Sunday, September 17th, at Fieldstone Golf Course in Auburn Hills starting at noon. $125 per person includes golf/cart, hot dog lunch at the turn, dinner, raffle prizes, donation, and silent auction. We are looking for sponsors. Learn more at https://www.realmenwearpinkgolfouting.com/
• On Wednesdays, We Wear Pink, Wednesday, September 27th at Brown Iron Brewhouse Royal Oak from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. $55 includes an all-you-can-eat buffet of brisket, pulled pork, beer can chicken, baked beans, Brussel sprouts, mac and cheese plus two Brown Iron beers AND a donation to the American Cancer Society. Pre-registration is required on Eventbrite by clicking here.
• Pink Out the ‘Punk, Saturday, September 30th, at Steampunk Tap Room in downtown Utica starting at 4 p.m. We will have silent auctions, craft beer taps with limited-release beers, 50/50 drawings, and much more. No registration is required, but mark your calendars! Visit Steampunk’s website by clicking here.
• Dine Out for Charity EVERY Monday during October at Sedona Taphouse in Troy. On Mondays, Sedona Tap House offers a half-price flat iron steak or salmon dinner, with $1 of that purchase going to Men Wear Pink as part of their Dine Out for Charity program. No flyer or information is needed – you can eat for lunch or dinner! Thank you to Sedona Taphouse Troy!!! Learn more about their program here.
• Wear Pink Like a Boss, Thursday, October 19th, at Arctic Circle Brewing Company in Chesterfield. This event will have a pink-themed beer, Men Wear Pink glasses for purchase, silent auctions, and 50/50 drawings. No registration is required, but mark your calendars! Learn more about Arctic Circle here.

“Brian and I coordinate all of these fundraisers by ourselves, including promotion and recruitment,” Markwood said. “We always have great crowds and support for these events, and we hope everyone will continue this support in 2023 as we need your help to make a difference for a great cause.”

If you cannot make the event but would like to make a donation, you can securely donate online at Team AIP’s website. We are also accepting donations for silent auction. Feel free to contact Darron Markwood at darronm@aipma.com for questions or donations. We also can provide receipts for donations as needed.

Let’s pink out October and raise awareness (and donations) for the American Cancer Society!