Jefferson County's bravest are putting down their radios and picking up coffee aprons this Friday — all in the name of breast cancer research.
Corporal Jeremy Skeels of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office will face off against Conner Bowman of Jefferson County Fire & EMS in the annual "Real Men Wear Pink" fundraiser at The Human Bean in Madras on Friday, October 16, beginning at 5 a.m.
The event, dubbed Coffee for a Cure, is a friendly competition between the two local first-responder agencies to see which side can raise more donations for breast cancer research during a full day of coffee sales at The Human Bean's Madras location at 40 NE Plum Street.
A Tradition of Friendly Rivalry
The Jefferson County rivalry between the Sheriff's Office and Fire & EMS has become a community staple, drawing regulars and first-timers alike to The Human Bean each October to show support — and vote with their dollars for their favorite department. The bragging rights are real, but the cause is what matters most.
The event is part of the American Cancer Society's national "Real Men Wear Pink" campaign, which challenges men across the country to raise awareness and funds throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Jefferson County's version puts a distinctly local spin on the campaign, pitting the county's two primary public safety agencies against each other in a contest of community goodwill.
"It's a great way to bring the two agencies together and give back to the community," according to organizers of the annual event.
How to Participate
Community members are encouraged to stop by The Human Bean in Madras on Friday, October 16, starting at 5 a.m. Buying a coffee and making a donation directly supports breast cancer research funding. The event runs all day.
Every dollar raised helps fund the American Cancer Society's research programs, patient support services, and community awareness initiatives. No matter which department you root for, the real winner is the cause — and the community that shows up to support it.
October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time for communities across the nation to rally around survivors, honor those lost, and continue pushing for a cure. Jefferson County's first responders are proud to play their part — one cup of coffee at a time.