In honor of National Breast Cancer Month, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Health Foundation is hosting a series of fundraising and education events to spread the word about the importance of breast health and early detection of breast cancer.

Kicking off the month is the sale of pink ribbon pins throughout the Santa Clarita Valley.

Worn in honor of those who have been affected by breast cancer, the $5 pin is available at Henry Mayo's Gift Shop in the hospital's main lobby, Valencia Acura, Vantage Oncology, Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center, UCLA Cancer Center, and Tower Imaging Valencia.

Proceeds from the Pink Ribbon pins will benefit the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center located on the Henry Mayo campus.

Pink Ribbon pins are generously donated by Dianne Crawford and Pink Ribbon Gifts.

"Being educated about breast cancer and risk factors is important," said Diana Vose, president of Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Health Foundation. "Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, but death rates have been declining. This decline is thought to be due to earlier detection and improved treatment. The five-year survival rates demonstrate clearly that early detection improves the rate of survival."

Also for sale throughout the month of October at Valencia's Cobblestone Cottage is the Brighton Breast Cancer Awareness bracelet.

For each bracelet sold, $5 will be donated to the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center. In addition, Brighton will donate $5 from each sale to a breast cancer-related organization.

Another opportunity to treat yourself while benefiting the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center is through the purchase of Hope Wines at Vino 100 Valencia. The Center will receive 10 percent of Vino 100 Valencia's sales of Hope Wine's award-winning California Chardonnay throughout October.

Henry Mayo's Breast Cancer Awareness events include:

Oct. 19 - Soroptimist Intl of Greater SCV Wine Affair VIP Reception - meet breast cancer awareness spokeswoman Gail McCroskey and enjoy sumptuous wines and food. 12 - 1 p.m.VIP Reception, followed by event from 1 to 5 p.m. at Valencia Town Center.

Oct. 23 - Breast Cancer Awareness Wine Tasting - Fantastic wine s and delicious appetizers at Salt Creek Grille, plus a special appearance by breast cancer awareness spokeswoman Gail McCroskey. Proceeds benefit the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center. $35 plus tax and gratuity. 24415 Town Center Drive, Valencia. 6 p.m.

Oct. 26 - Guild Fashion Show and Boutique - "All That Jazz" themed-entertainment and the hottest fashions from Margo and J. David Custom Clothiers, featuring an appearance by breast cancer awareness spokeswoman Gail McCroskey. The Boutique opens at 10 a.m. followed by lunch and fashion show. $90. Universal Sheraton, Universal City.

For more information on any of the foundation's breast cancer awareness events, please contact 661-253-8082 or visit www.henrymayo.com.