Paint the Town Pink Kicks-Off

(ABC 6 News) – Tuesday, Austin’s Paint the Town Pink officially kicked off at the Hormel Institute.

The month-long fundraiser for breast cancer research has already raised nearly 3 million dollars. During the ribbon-cutting alone they raised over 50 thousand dollars. Sparking confidence in Hormel Institute organizers, that they can surpass that number with flying colors by the end of the month.

There will be a number of fan-favorite fundraisers returning, along with some new ones. Two new faces this year are brother Mike and Joe Walerak.

Together they fused their passion for trap shooting, and the loss of their mother a family, into an event they call Shooter for Hooters.

“We wanted to give something to the community and our mother passed away from breast cancer 8 years ago,” Mike said. “so this is something we’re kind of doing for her.”

Full Paint the Town Pink Coverage

This competition will give individuals or teams of 5 the chance to shoot down pink clay pigeons, with prizes for the top three teams. But regardless of your marksmanship status, Mike and Joe say anyone is welcome to enter.

“All experience levels are welcome. All you have to do is show up with some eye protection and ear protection.” Mike said. “A shotgun if you have one. If not we can make some arrangements to get a gun loaned for you.”

This competition is a rarity for trap shooters in the area. Which is another need Joe is hoping to address.

“We don’t have much going on for shooting events in the area,” Joe said. “So we thought it would be a good opportunity to introduce new people to shooting.”

Shooter for Hooters will be held at the Cedar Valley Gun Club on January 18th at 10 a.m.