ThinkPINKkids could be coming to a school near you.

The local kid-initiated club that encourages kids to raise money for breast cancer research through odd jobs and volunteering is spreading its message all over the country that kids can help in the fight against cancer.

A thinkPINKkids National Launch and 5K Walk is set for the Mall of America on Friday, which has been proclaimed "ThinkPINKkids Day" by Bloomington's mayor.

"There are so many wonderful organizations that raise money for different causes, but this is a kids' program," said Nancy Woodrich, the founder of thinkPINKcollection.com, a company that sells gifts to support breast cancer research.

"Kids are coming up with the concepts on how to raise money, and the parents are supporting them," she said.

Woodrich calls herself the "ultimate caretaker." Having been a volunteer with the American Cancer Society since age 15, she spread her philanthropic passion to her son, Max, who co-founded the first thinkPINKkids Club at Olson Middle School in Bloomington with his friend Doug Ellingson.

It was the summer of 2007 and the boys were 8th-graders when they decided they wanted to help raise money for breast cancer research by mowing lawns, washing cars and walking pets. They wanted to get their classmates involved, too.

Inspired by their creativity and willingness to help, Woodrich started the thinkPINKkids Foundation, which now includes about 400 kids from Jefferson High School, Normandale Hills Elementary and a local Girl Scouts troop. Schools in the north metro area, Duluth, Detroit Lakes, Florida, Texas, New York, Colorado, Iowa, Wisconsin and California are in the process of creating their own Think Pink Kids Clubs, Nancy Woodrich said. "Our goal is to start a club with every civic organization and every school in the country."

Max and Doug are now freshmen at Jefferson High School. On Friday, they'll be walking through the mall with about 1,400 other kids and parents, selling bracelets and T-shirts promoting the organization and signing up new volunteers. "We hope all who want to see a cure for breast cancer will participate in this event," Max said.

The program will feature Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders, Twins mascot T.C. Bear, the Richfield High School drumline and music by the band 36 Sunrise. A special curriculum will be provided for participating schools and classrooms.

Since October 2007, the thinkPINKkids have raised enough money to fund a breast cancer researcher at the University of Minnesota.

"If you're passionate about something and believe in something," Woodrich said, "it just works."

Aimée Blanchette • 612-673-1715