Raising Breast Cancer Awareness: Students From Sammamish High Schools Gather for 'Plateau Pink Day'

The Wednesday rain might have pushed the "Plateau Pink Day" event indoors at Eastlake High School. But it did not stop the message and meaning of the event: To raise awareness about breast cancer.

Hundreds of students from , and  came together to donate money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a group dedicated to combating breast cancer and supporting hospitals, research and community groups.

For Eastlake student Amy Limon, 15, the day's event had special meaning. "My mom had breast cancer four years ago," she said. "She's a survivor. She hasn't had it since."

Inside Eastlake, there was a sea of pink shirts and clothing, as students relaxed at tables, played games in the gym and businesses sold cupcakes and other food. Everywhere, there was the symbol of a folded pink ribbon - to remind people about breast cancer.

"It's a combined effort," said Ali Maners, activity director at Skyline. "Last year, we decided to do Plateau Pink Day."

Maners said organizers sold pink shirts with an image of a folded ribbon on the back for $7, as part of the event.

The student-organized event was going to take place outdoors on the football field, Emily Borden, Eastlake activities coordinator, said.

"But Mother Nature prompted us to move it inside," she said, noting that students leaders had to be agile in order for the event to take place.

"They had to learn what to do when things don't go according to plan," she said.

At about 4 p.m. on Wednesday, there was about $150 to $200 in cash donations. The Wednesday event ran from 3 to 6 p.m.

There were about eight small businesses that sold food to students. Among them was PinkaBella Cupcakes, which has locations in and Bellevue.

Employee Katie Anderson said it is important for her employer, Margo Engberg, to work with local schools. "She loves to give back," Anderson said.

Anderson said each cupcake on Wednesday sold for $3 and a portion of the sale would go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Eastside Catholic student Luke Janicki, 18, said the event also helped bring young people from all the three high schools in Sammamish together.

He helped coordinate the student planning meetings. "It's an important cause to fight for," he said. "It would be great if this event continues to grow."

Given what her mom went through, Limon offered an observation. "Early detection is best," she said. "If you know someone who has it, stay strong." 

Update: A student organizer said Friday that the event received $254.17 in donations given at Eastlake High School on Wednesday.