I have lost loved ones to breast cancer, which is why this month is an especially emotional time, for me and countless other people. Friday marked the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the awareness movement is stronger than ever this year. It’s great to see so many companies play a significant role and contribute a portion of sales to foundations and non-profit organizations that make a difference. What’s more inspiring is the use of social media and the participation of bloggers to take awareness to the next level, and beyond.
2010 marks the 10th Anniversary of the Pink Pony Fund, which is part of the Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation. The Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Fund gives 10% of proceeds from all Pink Pony products to the the Pink Pony Fund for Cancer Care and prevention. But Ralph Lauren & co. didn’t stop there. To take awareness near and far, 100 bloggers came together to raise increased awareness and further support the cause, especially to the online community. AOL Stylelist has photographs of all 100 blogger contributors, including Tavi, Kelly Framel of The Glamourai, Liz Cherkasova from Pop Culture Afternoon, Christina Caradona from Trop Rouge, Kristian Laliberte and Connie Wang of Refinery29 and 95 others, so be sure to check out the great initiative. A third and final part of the campaign is an auction on CharityBuzz.com, where 100% of proceeds will go to the Pink Pony Fund. The auction started on Friday and will run until the 21st. Bravo.
On Friday, Bloomingdale’s and the Estée Lauder Companies’ hosted the 2010 Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. This year, bloggers and social media was of great interest. 11 blogger took center stage and took part in the BCA Pledge campaign, recreating the classic BCA look and feel. The BCA Pledge website and the Facebook page outline important information and updates.
Finally, jeweler David Yurman has designed a limited edition woven bracelet, offering fashion that gives back. The bracelet speaks to the designers commitment to support the fight against breast cancer. A portion of the proceeds will benefit either the Breast Cancer Research Fund or A Key to the Cure. “Being able to support this honorable cause is extremely rewarding,” said David Yurman. “I am humbled to know that the proceeds of the bracelet will help such a notable organization fight for a cure.” I love the subtlety and simplicity of the bracelet, and its something that can be worn year-round as remembrance. http://bit.ly/bJHYap
These powerful initiatives are signs that companies are not all sales driven. BCA Month is more about awareness than anything (obviously) but there are people who attack companies that don’t give 100% of proceeds to any cause. Honestly, I am grateful to any and all companies, foundations, non-profits and individuals that contribute to a cause that it near and dear to them. It is important to realize that Ralph Lauren, Bloomingdale’s + Estée Lauder Companies and David Yurman are bringing people together, one step at a time.
