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With Breast Cancer Awareness Month underway, a growing number of campaigns in New Jersey are dedicated to supporting research to end the disease and celebrating survivors.

Great Gorge Golf Club

Throughout the month of October, any golfer who brings proof of a scheduled or recent mammogram to the Great Gorge Golf Club pro shop will receive a voucher for a future complimentary round of golf at the 27-hole championship course in Vernon.

Great Gorge Golf Club General Manager David Killin said they are thrilled for the Oct. 7 launch of “Mammo Mondays.”

“This campaign is not just about playing golf—it’s about playing a part in the fight against breast cancer. Our hope is to inspire our guests and the wider community to stay proactive about their health,” he said.

Additionally, the club plans to hold several special events this month, including a special hole-in-one contest at every golf outing. Great Gorge will donate all contest proceeds to local breast cancer awareness organizations.

Guests are also encouraged to wear pink all month long to show support for the cause.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women, aside from skin cancers. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women.

Thanks to advancements in early detection and improved treatment options, breast cancer mortality rates have steadily declined since the 1980s. However, that rate of decline has slowed in recent years. Complacency in routine screenings and delayed mammograms could account for the slowdown, leading to detecting more cancers at advanced stages.

Stop & Shop

Between Oct. 4 and Nov. 4, customers at Stop & Shop’s 350-plus stores across New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and Connecticut will have the option of supporting the American Cancer Society. Shoppers at the supermarket chain can give $1, $3 or $5 – or round up their total at checkout – with 100% of their donation going to the organization.

Since Stop & Shop first partnered with the American Cancer Society 16 years ago, it has raised nearly $7.8 million for the organization.

The annual campaign will also include in-store signage featuring associates sharing their breast cancer journeys.

Additionally, the Quincy, Mass.-based grocer will serve as sponsor at four Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks in the Northeast. The events include an Oct. 20 walk in Point Pleasant.

Jennifer Barr, director of external communications and community relations for Stop & Shop, said, “The mission of the American Cancer Society continues to be extremely important, and we are proud to fight against cancer alongside the organization … We are especially proud of our courageous associates who are once again serving as the faces of this year’s campaign, sharing their personal journeys with breast cancer and highlighting the importance of giving.”

Brant Woodward, senior executive vice president at the American Cancer Society, added, “We couldn’t create the impact we do without the support of Stop & Shop employees. This year, we are proud to work with Stop & Shop to grow our partnership by applying a portion of the proceeds towards patients needing access to breast cancer screenings. Together, we are the movement, the hope, and the future.”

Jives Café

Prior to opening Jives Café last spring in Howell, Oriana Calise received a breast cancer diagnosis and underwent a double mastectomy. A lot to go through while launching her dream business and supporting her family.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the acts of kindness shared with her during a difficult time, the Manalapan mother of four launched an initiative to hand deliver a warm breakfast to the homes of women who are either receiving treatment or recovering from a double mastectomy.

Calise is currently accepting nominations through Oct. 10 for families in Monmouth and Ocean counties going through this experience and will randomly select between 30 to 40 entries. Click here to submit a name.

According to Jives Café, a few local businesses donated gift cards and services, too. So, families receiving breakfast deliveries will also get an extra surprise.

Located at 2212 Route 9, Jives serve unique coffee, breakfast, lunch and bunch selections. It also hosts private events as well as offers community programming, such as story time for kids and seasonal happenings.

Blue Oak Dispensary

Throughout October, Blue Oak Dispensary is fundraising in support of AAngelsNJ, a nonprofit dedicated to providing breast cancer awareness education and resources.

The Bloomfield dispensary is also marking the month by offering 10% off every Wednesday to customers who wear pink. Additionally, every tip budtenders receive will be matched by Blue Oak and donated to AAngelsNJ.

Blue Oak also plans to present a free yoga session Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. The class is free, but attendees are encouraged to contribute to AAngelsNJ. All donations will be matched by the dispensary. Click here to register.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 1:13 p.m. ET Oct. 18, 2024, to include Blue Oak’s campaigns.