English: Giuliana Rancic in Notte by Marchesa (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Tis the season to think pink now more than ever before!
In celebrating National Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October (or "Pinktober") I've rounded up a list of five companies that caught my eye in their efforts to give back to breast cancer organizations across the country. Not only do they go above and beyond what we may predictably see in action during this month, I chose these five because they hit the closest to home in the lives of everyday women. From what we wear to what we eat and even to how we travel and check our Facebook statuses, one can't help but to be tickled pink with how they give back to the community - and continually keep on giving.
Delta Airlines "Pink Plane"
"In 2010, we painted one of our Boeing 767-400s pink to help raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research in conjunction with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. In 2012, we added Evelyn Lauder's signature on the aircraft in memory of her dedication to help find a cure for breast cancer."
Since the day the aircraft was first given it's glossy coat of pink paint, Delta's "pink plane" has carried nearly 266,753 customers on about 1,300 trips around the world, according to menafn.com. Passengers this year can expect even more ways to get "Perks for Pink" as outlined on Delta's Facebook page which has promised that 50,000 likes for Delta means $50,000 for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Some of the in-flight perks that give back include a Signature Sandwich Pink Box Lunch (for domestic flights over 1400 miles), 100% of proceeds for BCRF with the purchase of Minute Maid Pink Lemonade, upgraded pink earbuds, 10% of proceeds given to BCRF with a Delta Sky Club membership, limited edition Delta merchandise available to purchase online, and flight attendants all dolled up in pink for the month.
LOFT
There's something about adding a little pop of pink to your wardrobe that makes you stand out and this month, women's apparel store LOFT is encouraging that we "live in pink" with their new limited edition collection. From skirts to tops and even with a specially made statement necklace designed by E! News anchor and breast cancer survivor Giuliana Rancic, these nine collection pieces donate 25% of the full-price purchase of each item to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Panera Bread
Hungry? Grab a bagel that gives back with the seasonal Pink Ribbon Bagel. For the 11th year running, Panera's pink ribbon bagels are not only a favorite with customers but have raised over $1.3 million for breast cancer charities nationwide with nearly 2 million bagels sold in 2011 alone.
You can download the pre-order form on the website and also call your nearest bakery-cafe to speaking with the Via Panera coordinator for catering purposes. And you'll definitely want to - these bagels are loaded with cherry chips, dried cherries and cranberries, vanilla, honey and brown sugar. Yes, I'll have ALL the bagels please...
ONEHOPE Wine
It's wining and dining with a powerful impact. ONEHOPE wine is fighting the good fight against breast cancer by donating 50% of profits generated from the sale of every bottle of their California Chardonnay towards breast cancer research in their "1 in 8" campaign. As CEO Jake Kloberdanz explained in an interview with the Washington Post, the campaign name got its roots from the statistics that U.S. women have a 1 in 8 lifetime chance of developing breast cancer with the goal to raise $100,000 this year with increased awareness for breast cancer prevention.
ONEHOPE also offers a Pink Perfection Gift Basket on the same site as an extra special gift loaded with ONEHOPE Chardonnay, Ghirardelli Dark chocolate raspberry squares, Chocolate biscotti, Claey’s Chocolate fudge, English Tea Cookies, Angel cookies, Sonoma Jack Cheese spread and Three pepper Water crackers.
Avon
How could I create this list without including Avon? Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade this year, the company has five ways to get involved including the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer which celebrates its 10th year with walks in New York and Charlotte, North Carolina, the purchase of Avon Pink Products, and donations to be made on eBay Giving Works.
Ever in line with the times, Avon also offers plenty of social media interaction including "Pink Yourself" on Facebook with a tinted profile and "Pin It To End It" on Pinterest with each posted and tagged photo posted this month receiving a donated $5 (re-pins receive an additional $0.50) up to $100,000 to fund access to breast health care and research investigating the role viruses may play in breast cancer.
What company do you think is going above and beyond when it comes to Breast Cancer Awareness? Share your favorites below!
