25 OCTOBER 2023 By Mallory Gleich Since 2009, the Arizona-based organization Check for a Lump (CFAL) has educated over 700,000 people, provided over 1,300 lifesaving mammograms, donated nearly 2,200 free wigs to women going through chemotherapy, and supported more than 900 survivors and their families. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and CFAL is gearing up for its annual fundraising events, including its most popular: The Pink Out 5K. The organization began after founder Holly Rose was diagnosed with breast cancer. She received so many acts of kindness and support from her neighborhood that she decided it was time to give back to the community. “Holly had heard from many women that they didn’t know the basics about breast cancer or how to do self-exams, so she started ‘Don’t be a Chump! Check for a Lump!’ as an educational program and call to action,” Executive Director Ashley Plum said. CFAL’s mission is to provide free breast health education, mammograms, testing, and assistance to breast cancer patients in Arizona with wigs, support groups and resources. They also host several different events throughout the year. Each event has a theme, and guests attend in costumes and wigs. “Our Pink Out 5K is the biggest event and is held on the first Saturday in October. Participants can walk, run, or dance their way through Steele Indian School Park to help raise funds to support our programs,” Ashley said. Last year, CFAL had almost 1,000 people come out to support; they’re hoping even more join in the fun this year. Their goal for 2023 is to raise $500,000. “The Pink Out is for everyone. We have local vendors, sponsors, food trucks, kids zone, music, mobile mammograms, and more,” Ashley said. The organization offers “survivor- specific” events through its Super Survivors Unite group. They meet on the third Thursday of each month and enjoy a fun activity with breast cancer survivors and co-survivors. A 2nd Act “Girls’ Night Out” is an event for ladies only, but offers support for women with all types of cancer. Attendees enjoy cupcakes, wine, and time with other survivors living their 2nd Acts after cancer. Since its inception, CFAL has impacted the local community, the Phoenix area, and Arizona. Sixty-nine percent of its funding goes directly to the community. “The mammogram program at Check for a Lump has grown exponentially over the past year,” Ashley said. “The need for mammograms increased so much that we have a huge waitlist for screenings. When we started in 2019, we provided 300 women with a lifesaving mammogram.” In 2022, the number grew to 750 and in 2023, CFAL estimates that over 1,000 screening mammograms will happen. CFAL offers monthly volunteer activities, ranging from packing, making and distributing Super Survivor Kits to helping out in the office. Super Survivor Kits are bags filled with comfort items like blankets, fuzzy socks, chemo caps, activity books, colored pencils, the CFAL magazine and product line. They are free for women currently going through breast cancer treatment of any kind. “We would love readers to consider donating, participating in the Pink Out, hosting a fundraiser, or becoming a sponsor. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer!” Ashley said. Don’t be a chump – check for a lump! These survivors got to take part in the 2022 Fashionably Pink event at PHX Fashion Week. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ASHLEY PLUM PINK OUT 5K When: Saturday, October 7 at 8 a.m. Where: Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road. What: The seventh annual Pink Out 5K raises funds for CFAL. Before the race, check out the vendor village, food trucks, kids’ zone and music. Registration $40 for adults, $20 for kids. checkforalump.org Check for a Lump is gearing up for its annual fundraising event, The Pink Out 5K. The Pink Out is for everyone. We have local vendors, sponsors, food trucks, kids zone, music, mobile mammograms, and more.

26 OCTOBER 2023 By Rachael Bouley Many local cities and businesses are gearing up to get in on Oktoberfest fun. The tradition is alive and well across the Valley, with various beer and bratwurst festivals to enjoy. Check out our list of celebrations near and far. DOWNTOWN CHANDLER OKTOBERFEST When: October 1 from 1-8 p.m. Where: 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler Admission: $12-$20, kids under 6 are free santanbrewing.com SanTan Brewing and Pedal Haus Brewery are hosting the second annual Downtown Chandler Oktoberfest at Dr. AJ Chandler Park. There will be lots of local beer, German fare, canned cocktails, and live music for a memorable weekend in the town square. Parents with young kids are welcome to check out all the games in the family fun zone. OKTOBERFEST AT GREENWOOD BREWING When: October 1 from 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Where: 922 N. 5th St., Phoenix Admission: $10-$15 greenwoodbrews.com Greenwood Brewing in downtown Phoenix will host various Oktoberfest activities, complete with a new Schnitzel Pop Bier, brew mugs, food trucks and live music. Morning yoga with complimentary beer tasters on Sunday will round out the Oktoberfest fun. Stick around for brewery tours in the afternoon with founder Megan Greenwood. GILBERT OKTOBERFEST When: October 7 from 2-9 p.m. Where: 50 E. Civic Center Dr., Gilbert Admission: $15; kids 12 and under are free forty8live.com This celebration will feature live entertainment by The Klaberheads, known for their brass big band and German polka music. Phoenix-based Taide Band will also perform while adults indulge in tasty craft beers from local breweries like O.H.S.O., Desert Monks, Oro, Old Ellsworth and 12 West. You won’t want to miss the bratwurst eating and stein-holding contests, and if you have little ones, stop by the free kids’ inflatable zone and yard games. FLAGSTAFF OKTOBERFEST When: October 7 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Where: 212 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff Admission: $7; kids 12 and under are free flagstaffoktoberfest.com The 14 th annual Flagstaff Oktoberfest will take over Wheeler Park with the return of crowd favorites like live music and Munich-inspired menus. A wiener man race will kick things off at lunchtime before the brat-eating contest and women’s/men’s beer stein contests. The Summit Dub Squad and High 90s tribute band will perform throughout the day with special Oktoberfest brews to complete the experience. FOUR PEAKS OKTOBERFEST When: October 13-15; 5 p.m.-12 a.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-12 a.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Where: 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe Admission: $16, free on Sunday fourpeaksoktoberfest.com Regarded as one of the biggest and best fall celebrations, Four Peaks Oktoberfest returns to Tempe Beach Park for the 50 th anniversary of this Tempe Sister Cities fundraiser. The three-day festival will kick off with a keg tapping and opening ceremony before stein-holding contests and dachshund races over the weekend. Oktoberfest is open to all ages, with carnival rides, live music, authentic German fare and a Cardinals watch party for football fans. WICKENBURG OKTOBERFEST When: October 14 from 3-7:30 p.m. Where: 164 E. Apache St., Wickenburg Admission: $20 chooseazbrews.com The 3 rd annual Wickenburg Oktoberfest supports the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild with drinks from breweries across the state, German fare, and savory food trucks. Confirmed breweries include O.H.S.O., LazyG, Corbett, and Grand Canyon Brewing. The festival will feature live music, lawn games, and a classic car show in historic Stone Park. This is a 21+ event. OKTOBERFEST! ZIGGIE’S MUSIC BENEFIT When: October 15 from 12-2 p.m. Where: 3309 N. 3rd St., Phoenix Admission: $20 suggested donation Instagram @thezigmart Arizona’s oldest music store is also getting in on the Oktoberfest fun. Ziggie’s Music Benefit will feature an Accordion Club performance with live music, dancing, trivia, and raffle prizes on Sunday afternoon. No tickets are required, but a $20 donation is suggested to support this iconic small business. Break out your lederhosen – Oktoberfest is here! $15; kids 12 and under are free This celebration will feature live entertainment by The Klaberheads, known for their brass big band and German polka music. Phoenix-based Taide Band will also perform while adults indulge in tasty craft beers from local breweries like O.H.S.O., Desert Four Peaks Oktoberfest returns to Tempe Beach Park for the 50 fundraiser. The three-day festival will kick off with a keg tapping and opening ceremony before stein-holding contests and dachshund races over the weekend. Oktoberfest is open to all ages, with carnival rides, live music, authentic German fare and a Cardinals watch party for football fans. NMLS #2408347 BK #1041294 Conventional Loans Bridge Loans FHA Loans Construction Loans Private Money Loans Commercial Loans VA Loans Investor Loans HELOC's Jumbo Loans Portfolio Loans Bank Statement Loans highplacemortgage.com | 602.463.3780 2930 E Camelback Rd, Suite 175 Phoenix, AZ 85016 LET US HELP YOU BUILD THE RIGHT FINANCING STRATEGY THIS SPOOOOKY SEASON