Louisville families and friends gathered at Captains Quarters Bar and Grill on Saturday for the 12th annual Chunkin’ Pumpkins fundraiser. The beloved October tradition combines the excitement of trebuchet‑launched pumpkins with a charitable mission: raising money for Hope Scarves and Twisted Pink, two organizations dedicated to advancing research and support for metastatic breast cancer.

How the event works

Spectators purchase sponsorships for individual pumpkins. Once the pumpkins are loaded onto the trebuchets, volunteers launch them toward the Ohio River, aiming at floating targets. When a pumpkin hits a target, its sponsor wins a gift certificate to a local restaurant, adding a tasty incentive to the community‑spirit competition.

Supporting a vital cause

All proceeds from pumpkin sponsorships, entry fees, and on‑site donations go directly to Hope Scarves and Twisted Pink. Both nonprofits focus on funding cutting‑edge research into metastatic breast cancer, a form of the disease that remains the leading cause of cancer‑related death among women in the United States. By channeling local generosity into national research efforts, the event helps bring hope to patients and families battling this aggressive cancer.

Community involvement

The event draws a diverse crowd of Louisville residents, from longtime supporters of the fundraiser to newcomers eager to try their hand at pumpkin launching. Local businesses have also stepped up, providing gift certificates, food, and volunteer staff. The partnership between the bar and grill, local eateries, and the two charities showcases the city’s commitment to caring for one another while having fun.

Looking ahead

Organizers hope the 12th year will set a new benchmark for fundraising totals, building on the momentum of previous years. They encourage anyone who missed the day’s action to still contribute; donations can be made online through the Hope Scarves and Twisted Pink websites. With continued community support, Louisville aims to keep the momentum going for years to come, turning a playful pumpkin‑launching tradition into a powerful engine for medical progress.

Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.