Anamosa Pumpkinfest is accused of “pinkwashing.”

ANAMOSA, Iowa (KCRG) – Some people are accusing the City of Anamosa Pumpkin Festival of “pinkwashing” for using the pink breast cancer ribbon to raise money.

“Pinkwashing” is when companies or organizations say they support a cause, but the money is not used for that cause.

The Pumpkin Festival has been celebrated in Anamosa for 30 years. Every year it chooses a new theme. This year's slogan is “Save the Pumpkins,” a tongue-in-cheek nod to show that they support people fighting breast cancer, but not all of the money raised goes to the cause.

“It’s kind of a small town party,” said Jones County resident Jennifer Jeffrey.

Jeffrey and her family have enjoyed going to Pumpkinfest since moving to Jones County 10 years ago. She was especially excited when she learned this year's theme focused on breast cancer. She was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer 14 months ago.

“Our youngest child was born and I received the diagnosis a month later,” she said.

She said the excitement quickly died down when she started asking Anamosa Pumpkinfest organizers where the money was going.

“When I tried to get more information, they tried to exclude me,” she said.

The organizers gave us a statement: “We are looking forward to the 36th Annual Pumpkinfest and Ryan Norlin GIANT Pumpkin Weigh-Off.” Each year the committee chooses a new theme. In 2019 our theme was “Save the Pumpkins.” It was chosen to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. There was a lot of excitement and community support leading up to the 2019 event, particularly the parade. Unfortunately it rained for much of the event – this was the first time ever.

The committee decided to repeat the same theme this year to once again recognize and support breast cancer awareness efforts and those in our community who are survivors, fighters and their family members.

This year's Grand Marshals will be employees of Jones Regional Medical Center (JRMC), representing all employees who have battled breast cancer. Leading the grand marshals are volunteers from the Jones County Nurses Honor Guard.

The organizer’s mother provided this quote for the story: “A year ago I lost my sister to breast cancer. Five years ago I had the early stages of breast cancer. Thanks to the x-ray technology and excellent mammograms at Jones Regional, I found it early. Not all support is monetary. This year’s theme is about public awareness and support.”

Jeffrey said the entire approach doesn't seem right because the pink ribbon at this event does not mean funding for research, diagnosis or treatment.

“The reality of pinkwashing is that this type of event takes funding away from other legitimate breast cancer charities,” she said.

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