Paint the Planet Pink moves to Scranton, raising funds with flair and high heels

The 11th annual Color Me Pink 5k /Fun Walk and Gentleman's Dash was held in Scranton for the first time this year after being held in Pittston for the last ten years.

The Paint the Planet Pink formerly known as Paint Pittston Pink rebranded in 2023 to spread awareness and raise money for breast cancer beyond just Pittston, but across NEPA as a whole.

The Color Me Pink 5k, Fun Walk and Gentleman's Dash kicked off with over 200 runners and walkers participating in the all inclusive activities with one purpose, raising money and awareness for cancer research.

Barb Sciandra, President and CEO of Paint the Planet Pink says this event and cause hits home for everyone in some way, which helps bring the community together for a good cause.

"The organization started in 2014 and I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. Now that we're in Downtown Scranton were really hoping to expand," Sciandra said.

The location of the event was moved to Scranton after being held in Pittston for ten years.

Although the location changed , the beloved Gentleman's race sure didn't.

For this fan favorite event this year, 11 men ran in high heels to raise money.

"Raising money for breast cancer is a fantastic cause there is no way around it. My family has a history of breast cancer and all kinds of cancer so this is something I felt I really needed to do," Francis Mecadon, first palace finisher in the Gentleman's Dash, said.

Grace Bennett, the overall first place women's finisher and ran a personal best, says the cause for this 5k pushed her to run even faster.

"I knew it was going to be hilly course the hill by Cooper's is a tough one, my mind going up that hill was you can do it, and I just kept pushing through," Bennett added.

Mathew Felicia, the first place overall finisher in the 5K race says running in this race hits close to home for him and so many others.

"I was out there and it was for a good cause so I was extra motivated. I've had a lot of people in my family who have had breast cancer so it felt personal and I really wanted to do it and do well for them, " Felicia said.

All of the proceeds will be donated to the University of Pennsylvania for specific cancer research.

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