Stoddard Pumpkin Glow Honors Founder With Pink Display
The annual Dayton tradition featured 1,000 carved pumpkins to raise awareness for breast cancer support.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The 32nd annual Stoddard Pumpkin Glow in Dayton recently concluded, featuring 1,000 carved pumpkins. Organizers illuminated 125 of the pumpkins in pink to honor event founder Judy Chaffin and support breast cancer awareness.
Why it matters
The display serves as a tribute to founder Judy Chaffin, who died in 2018, while highlighting the one in eight women who battle breast cancer. The event facilitates community support for Pink Ribbon Good through direct donations from attendees.
This year marked the 32nd anniversary of the tradition, which began with 36 pumpkins. The display featured 1,000 total carved pumpkins, up from the original count.
The players
Judy Chaffin
She was the founder of the Stoddard Pumpkin Glow who died in 2018 at age 77.
Pink Ribbon Good
This organization partners with community events to provide direct support to those battling breast cancer.
The details
Attendees gathered on Stoddard Avenue and the hill at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church to view the display and contribute to Pink Ribbon Good. The pink lights were selected as a specific tribute to Chaffin, who was 77 at the time of her death.
Timeline
Judy Chaffin died in 2018 at age 77.
The Stoddard Pumpkin Glow occurred on Tuesday, October 22, 2026.
Market Landscape
This event reflects a broader trend of local community traditions evolving into platforms for institutional philanthropy and public health awareness. The shift positions local cultural displays as vital conduits for fundraising in a competitive non-profit sector.
Visitors were encouraged to make cash donations directly to Pink Ribbon Good during the event to support breast cancer survivors. The display serves as a reminder for residents to engage with local health-focused charities during annual community traditions.
The takeaway
This long-standing event demonstrates how legacy traditions can successfully adapt to support modern health causes. Readers can support local organizations by participating in established community festivals that partner with area nonprofits.
Further reading
Learn more about local community efforts and charitable initiatives in the Philanthropy section.
More information
To contribute or learn about support services, visit the Pink Ribbon Good volunteer and donation portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKEF.
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