Safeway announces breast cancer donations in excess of $1.3 million
BELLEVUE, Wash. Safeway Thursday announced it donated at total of $1,365,185.13 for critical breast cancer research and prevention programs in Western Washington.
The announcement follows a month-long breast cancer fundraising and public service campaign in all of Safeway’s stores where customers, employees and suppliers all made donations to help find a cure and bring awareness to a disease that affects millions of women each year.
“As a longstanding partner with premier cancer research and treatment facilities in Western Washington, we remain steadfast as a company to aid in the fight against breast cancer,” said Cherie Myers, director of public and government affairs for the Seattle Division of Safeway. “By partnering with the most innovative research institutions and focusing on critical prevention programs, we are confident a cure will be found within our lifetime.”
The funds raised in Western Washington were presented to the following beneficiaries:
- Breast Cancer Research Institute in the amount of $800,000
- Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in the amount of $315,185.13
- Dr. Julie Gralow of the Wellness Center at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in the amount of $200,000
- Dr. Wendy DeMartini of Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in the amount of $50,000
Safeway has become a corporate leader in cancer research, providing nearly $70 million for breast cancer and prostate cancer causes during the past six years. The company dedicates the month of October to raising money for breast cancer research and prevention programs where customers are able to make donations and purchase specially marked “pink ribbon” products in stores.
In addition to raising funds, Safeway stated, the 2007 campaign also focused on educating women about detection and prevention of breast cancer, the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among women. The company reached millions of women through public service messages that appeared in radio commercials, electronic point-of-sale screens, in-store signage, weekly print sales circulars and the safeway.com website. Grammy and Oscar winner Melissa Etheridge, a breast cancer survivor, performed at The Safeway Foundation’s benefit Gala on Nov. 3, an event which raised $1.4 million for the foundation.
“The overwhelming support we received throughout our fundraising campaign only strengthens our commitment to work toward the day when medical research can find a cure for breast cancer,” Myers stated. “Our donation in excess of $1.3 million in Western Washington reflects the passion and true spirit of giving shown by our customers and employees.”