Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton will once again turn October pink with a series of community events supporting cancer care, including a new food-tasting event featuring area restaurants and specialty food businesses.
Paint the Town Pink raises money for the Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton while encouraging businesses, organizations and residents to show support for cancer patients, survivors and their families. The campaign has included decorated storefronts, pink-themed specials and community events throughout Hamilton and the surrounding area.
This year’s schedule includes a celebrity softball tournament, the debut of Pink Plates and Paint the Bar Pink.
Pink Plates, set for Monday, Oct. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. on the RWJUH Hamilton campus, will bring together restaurants, bakeries, cafes, caterers and specialty food businesses for a community tasting event. Organizers anticipate about 200 guests.
Participating businesses are being encouraged to incorporate the color pink into their featured dishes through ingredients, presentation or inspiration. Restaurants can compete in four categories: appetizer or small bite, entree, sweet treats and beverages.
Guests will vote for their favorites, with one winner recognized in each category. Participating businesses will donate samples and provide staff to prepare and serve the food. There is no charge for restaurants to participate.
Proceeds from the event will support Paint the Town Pink and the Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, including patient support services and cancer treatment programs.
Pink Plates is one of three signature events listed for the 2026 campaign.
The month’s activities are scheduled to begin Thursday, Oct. 1, with a celebrity softball tournament at Trenton Thunder stadium. Game time is 6 p.m.
Paint the Bar Pink follows Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Killarney’s Publick House in Hamilton.
Paint the Town Pink has grown around the idea of involving local businesses and residents directly in supporting cancer patients. During the 2025 campaign, businesses participated by decorating storefronts, lighting buildings pink, offering themed specials and holding fundraising events. Proceeds benefited the RWJUH Hamilton Cancer Center.
RWJUH Hamilton officials have described the campaign as both a fundraiser and a way to build awareness of cancer prevention, treatment and survivorship.
“Paint the Town Pink is more than a display of color — it’s a symbol of hope, unity and determination,” Lisa Breza, chief administrative officer of RWJUH Hamilton, said during the 2025 campaign. “The contributions of our community partners, neighbors, businesses, employees and families will go a long way in supporting the important work of our Cancer Center and make a difference to our patients.”
The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton operates in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute and provides patients access to cancer specialists, treatment and clinical trials close to home.
Businesses interested in participating in Pink Plates or becoming involved with Paint the Town Pink can contact Jessica Alleman at jessica.alleman@rwjbh.org. Additional information is available at rwjbh.org/paintthetown.
