By Wendy Binns
Publisher
May 8 is the 20th Anniversary Race for the Cure. There are many reasons to lace-up and run-walk or volunteer … it’s Spring, it’s Mother’s Day and it really does save lives. Komen aims to raise $2 million to enable Atlanta’s men and women to detect and survive breast cancer. So, save the date!
Atlanta INtown typically only highlights locally owned businesses. However, when I heard that Kroger is giving back to our community in a big way, I thought you should know how much they care. The volunteer-driven Komen foundation in Atlanta relies on donations and this is where Kroger has stepped-in.
The Komen Atlanta Affiliate tells me that “the folks at Kroger help us out throughout the year, but perhaps the most significant contribution is the $250,000 that the organization donates specifically to our Race.” This is big money that stays in our neighborhood.
Seventy-five percent of the net income from the Race stays right here to fund breast health screenings, treatment and education for the medically underserved. The remaining 25 percent goes to fund the national Komen for the Cure Award and Research Grant Program.
Kroger stores are also doing a promotion in conjunction with FUZE (who is also one of the sponsors) beginning April 11 up until the Race day. A percentage of the case sales of FUZE will go directly to Komen during those days.
Glynn Jenkins, Director of Communications and PR for Kroger and one of the Komen Atlanta board members, says the disease has impacted his family and friends – and, they are survivors. Kroger supports Komen with fundraising efforts, Pink tag promotions in addition to support of the Race for the Cure.
Komen’s work in Atlanta includes teaching the importance of early detection as a key to breast cancer survival and their outreach extends to help those without insurance and limited access to proper care. Thank you to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Kroger, donors and all of the volunteers that are working to make the 20th Anniversary Race a huge success in turning breast cancer patients into breast cancer survivors.
Three Steps for Early Detection:
1. Monthly self breast examination.
2. Annual mammograms.
3. Clinical breast exams by your doctor.
For more information visit www.komenatlanta.org.
