MANCHAC — Gator’s Den and The Beacon Lounge and Lakeside in Manchac are coming together to host the third annual Goin’ Pink event in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The event includes a chili cook-off, a “Battle of the Bars” tug of war and a holey board washer throwing contest.

Entrance to the event is free, but guests may purchase a $10 wristband to sample dishes in the chili cook-off. Sponsorship cards will be available at Gator’s Den during the event and throughout the month for those who wish to leave a donation.

All proceeds benefit the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Louisiana’s leading cancer care organization dedicated to fighting the disease at every level, from community screenings and education to individualized treatments.

The event successfully raised $2,500 for cancer research in 2015 and $1,600 in 2016, according to event coordinator Brande Coxen.

Coxen hopes to replicate that success this year, and she encourages the community to wear pink, make a donation and come out for a fun-filled day supporting breast cancer research and awareness efforts.

She said some of the Gators Den and Beacon Lounge and Lakeside employees have dealt with cancer in the past. As a result, the cause is close to their hearts.

The event is open to the public and does not require tickets or reservations. However, those who wish to participate in the chili cook-off should sign up in advance by calling Coxen at 985-386-7902.

— By Brooke Robichaux