Message from Councilwoman Elizabeth Stamler – September 18, 2026
There are certain events in Scotch Plains that become more meaningful with each passing year. The annual Rose Checchio Walk to Wipe Out Breast Cancer is certainly one of them.
On Saturday, Oct. 3, our community will once again gather at Town Hall to walk in memory of Rose and raise money for breast cancer research through Play for P.I.N.K.
Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., with the walk stepping off at 9 a.m. from the Scotch Plains Municipal Building, 430 Park Ave. Registration is $25 for adults; $10 for children ages 12 and younger.
I hope you will join us.
For those who knew Rose, the walk is an opportunity to remember a friend, neighbor and dedicated public servant. For those who never had the opportunity to meet her, it is a chance to learn something about a woman whose influence is still very much a part of Scotch Plains.
Rose served nearly four years on the Township Council, but her commitment to Scotch Plains extended well beyond Town Hall. She was involved in creating the Scotch Plains Garden Club, our popular Trunk or Treat celebration and the development of the community garden. Even as she faced breast cancer, Rose remained deeply engaged in the community she loved.
That same determination helped give birth to this walk.
Rose understood that progress against breast cancer depends upon research. That is why this event continues to support Play for P.I.N.K., a grassroots organization that has grown tremendously since it was founded in New Jersey in 1990.
Today, more than 35,000 people participate annually in Play for P.I.N.K. events in 30 states. More than 300 volunteer organizers across the country hold sporting and lifestyle events to support the cause. Together, those efforts have raised $92 million for breast cancer research.
Those dollars are making an impact. Play for P.I.N.K. currently supports 26 leading researchers working on projects involving breast cancer prevention, detection, treatment and survivorship. And 100% of the organization's net proceeds goes to its sole beneficiary, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Those are impressive numbers. But what makes this event so special to me is what happens right here in Scotch Plains.
We walk together. We support neighbors and friends whose families have been touched by breast cancer. And we turn that community spirit into funding for research that can help save lives.
That seems like a fitting way to continue the councilwoman’s legacy.
Please join us Saturday, Oct. 3. Whether you walk in Rose's memory, in honor of someone you love or simply because you want to help make a difference, I hope to see you there. Register or donate here.
