About the Pink Zone

It began with just one game and a grant from the Big Ten to the Penn State Lady Lions for a community outreach effort. Wearing pink uniforms — and setting a precedent for similar events across college basketball — the 2007 team hosted (and beat!) the Wisconsin Badgers at an event that raised more than $20,000 through t-shirt and ticket sales.

Over the years, the Pennsylvania Pink Zone has partnered with a variety of local, regional, and national health care leaders, however the Pink Zone game remains a highlight of the organization’s activities. Through ticket and t-shirt sales, as well as direct donations, the Pink Zone has raised more than $3.2 million for partner organizations, including the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and direct aid to local breast cancer patients and their families.

Our Mission

The Pink Zone’s mission is to unite central Pennsylvania in the fight against breast cancer by mobilizing resources to improve lives in our community.

Mimi U. Barash Coppersmith
Pink Zone Champion Award

Each year since 2010, Pink Zone and the Penn State Lady Lions have recognized an individual or group who has made significant contributions in the area of breast cancer, awareness, prevention, education, treatment, research and care. The award is presented in association with the annual Pink Zone game.

Year-by-year-award winners:
2023, Monteca and Dan Beisel (Confer’s Jewelers)
2022, Matt and Kristie Patterson (Jersey Mike’s)
2021, Not Awarded
2020, Linda Gall
2019, In Memory of Barbara Palmer
2018, Aileen Galley
2017, Edward Henry and Jeanne Donlevy Arnold
2016, Mimi Barash Coppersmith
2015, Kish Bank
2014, Centre Daily Times
2013, Eric Bodnar (Student Pink Zone) and Taryn Noll (Power of Pink)
2012, Steve Falke and the Penn State Bookstore
2011, Fullington Trailways
2010, Centre County Breast Cancer Coalition