鈥檚 highly anticipated annual event, 鈥�A Walk at the Zoo,鈥� is set for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Detroit Zoo. This family-friendly event aims to bring together more than 3,000 participants in support of those undergoing breast cancer treatment in Southeast Michigan. Funds raised stay local and will provide crucial financial assistance for everyday living expenses, ensuring patients can focus on healing, not bills.
鈥淣early everyone knows someone affected by cancer, and for those facing breast cancer, the challenges are often overwhelming,鈥� said , president of the board of Shades of Pink Foundation. 鈥淎t Shades of Pink, we鈥檙e dedicated to easing the financial burden of breast cancer treatment, covering expenses like rent, utilities and transportation. But we can鈥檛 do it alone 鈥� 鈥楢 Walk at the Zoo鈥� is our largest fundraiser of the year. We invite you to join us on April 26 for an inspiring day filled with fun, emotion and community spirit to support these courageous patients right here in our community.鈥�
鈥淎 Walk at the Zoo鈥� offers participants a day at the Zoo and festivities at the fun-filled Big Top. This year, the Big Top will feature an exciting lineup of vendors, including A Vibe for All Crafts, the American Cancer Society, Awareness Jewelry Designs, Bell Stone Toffee, Cap and Conquer, Cappuccino Man, CDesigns, DLW Crafts, Jafra, Juice Plus+, Julie Dawson Boutique, Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, Operation Breast Density, Sue Owens Crafts, The Friendship Factory, Thelma鈥檚 Place, and Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski. A 1.7-mile course will also be mapped out for our walkers.
Attendees will also enjoy performances by Amigos Del Busto Zumba Troupe, Ballet Folklorico de Detroit and Shannon Irish Dancers under the Big Top along with breakfast snacks, raffle baskets, kids鈥� activities, a 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. visit from the Detroit Tiger鈥檚 PAWS, trips via virtual auction and more.
Breast cancer treatment is one of the most expensive of all cancers, carrying the highest out-of-pocket costs, and nearly half of all patients face significant financial hardships 鈥� often despite having insurance. “A Walk at the Zoo” raises vital funds to alleviate these financial pressures and support local patients and families who need it most.
Event Details
- Entry Time: Enter the Zoo between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.
- Big Top Celebration: 7 a.m. to Noon.
- Early Packet Pickup: Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at English Gardens (4901 Coolidge Hwy, Royal Oak, MI 48073)
Registration, Sponsorship and Additional Information
Online registration closes at 5 p.m. on April 23, with in-person registration available at Packet Pickup and on the day of the event until 8:30 a.m. For full details on registration, sponsorship opportunities, volunteer information and more, visit .
2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Shades of Pink Foundation. Since 2005, the organization has distributed over $3.2 million to more than 1,600 breast cancer patients across Southeast Michigan thanks to the continued support of donors, supporters, sponsors and volunteers who remain steadfast in their commitment to the foundation and its mission.
About Shades of Pink Foundation
Shades of Pink Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation. Its mission is to reduce financial stress for those undergoing breast cancer treatment in Southeast Michigan by providing prompt funding for everyday living expenses. The organization has provided over $3.2 million of financial support to help cover the costs of everyday living expenses to more than 1,600 individuals and their families since the organization鈥檚 founding in 2005. For more information go to .
