Breast Cancer Awareness Event Planning Idea Guide

Grand Prize - Southwest Medical Center, Liberal, Kansas

2011-09-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

The Think Pink committee at Southwest Medical Center chose The Hunt For A Pink October as its 2010 theme. It challenged hospital departments, medical office buildings, and local businesses in Liberal, Kansas, to decorate and help spread breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer survivors judged the participants on educational material, creativity, and use of pink. Southwest Medical then sponsored a scavenger hunt around town to the places that had decorated for the Think Pink challenge. Positive Promotions products, including planners, lapel pins, and pens, were used as giveaways and door prizes. The center also held a seminar in which an OB/GYN discussed women’s health and a breast cancer survivor shared her story. The most elaborate project of the Think Pink committee was a video called Your Life In Three Words. In it, people across Liberal conveyed messages about breast cancer, three words at a time. They held up signs instead of speaking. A portion of the video was shown on Good Morning America.

Second Prize - Wayne Memorial Hospital, Jesup, Georgia

2011-09-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

Wayne Memorial Hospital kicked off its month of activities with a health fair for the residents of Jesup, Georgia. A breast cancer awareness booth at the fair featured gifts from Positive Promotions. Every Tuesday during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, hospital staff and breast cancer survivors dressed in pink, handed out treats, and talked to women about the importance of breast exams and mammograms. On the last Tuesday, staff dressed in Halloween costumes to Scare Away Breast Cancer. The hospital scheduled mammograms until 8:00 pm three nights a week to make it more convenient for working women. To raise money for breast cancer research, Wayne Memorial set up the Tree Of Hope. People bought ribbons to hang on the tree in honor of someone who has fought breast cancer. The Baking For A Cure bake sale also raised funds. Members of every department in the hospital put on pink gloves and participated in a Dancing For A Cure video. The video was played in the lobby, posted on the Internet, and aired on local TV stations.

Third Prize - Madison County Breast Cancer Support Group Richmond, Kentucky

2011-09-21T08:52:00.001-07:00

The Madison County Breast Cancer Support Group is an important asset to Richmond, Kentucky. Members visit breast cancer patients in the hospital or at home. In 2010, the organization took part in a rally in front of city hall proclaiming October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The group hosted a Relay For Life; the race and silent auction together raised $122,000. The group also sponsored a Women’s Wellness Fun Day. It featured speakers, a skit, a fashion show, informational booths, and door prizes. Everyone received Positive Promotions pens, key rings, and kits. Members of the support group walked in a Race For The Cure in Lexington.

Honorable Mention - Effingham Hospital, Springfield, Georgia

2011-09-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

Throughout October, pamphlets and displays educated employees at Effingham Hospital. Employees also learned from breast-cancer-themed word searches and crossword puzzles. Key rings, coolers, and lunch bags from Positive Promotions were given to people who participated. Effingham held an afternoon reception in which employees received breast exam cards, had the opportunity to ask questions about mammograms, and entered drawings for door prizes.

Honorable Mention - Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, Crosby, Minnesota

2011-09-21T08:44:00.000-07:00

Cuyuna Regional Medical Center (CRMC) in Crosby partnered with Riverwood Healthcare Center in nearby Aitkin, Minnesota, to create the This Town music video. The video tells the importance of breast cancer screenings and shows employees of both facilities wearing pink scrubs. The video was unveiled at a local movie theater, then made its way to YouTube where it has been viewed tens of thousands of times. CRMC also hosted a Girls Night Out, which included a style show, a wine tasting, and goodie bags of Positive Promotions items, such as water bottles and bracelets.

Thoughtful Combination

2011-09-21T08:34:00.000-07:00

Your staff members can assist in providing comfort to patients having breast cancer surgery. Begin by ordering “Making A Difference One Woman At A Time” Reversible Tote Bags and Comb & Mirror Compacts. Consult with a breast cancer support group to see what else would be nice to include in the bag with the compacts, then ask your staff to donate those items. Also gather teddy bears and small pillows. Supply a hospital or surgery center with your finished “care packages.”

Score Big

2011-09-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

October and football go hand in hand. Chances are there is a football team that plays in your area, whether it be professional, college, or high school. Organize “Tailgating For TaTas.” Get permission to set up in the parking lot before one of the games. Draw people over to your booth by having a prize wheel. On the wheel, picture items of various value, such as Ladies’ Vintage Football Jerseys. Have information on breast cancer screenings ready. Sell hotdogs and baked chips to offset the cost of the prizes. Also offer drinks in Pearlized Pink Water Bottles that have been imprinted with the slogan “Tailgating For TaTas.”

Hats Off To Survivors

2011-09-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

Rally your community members by asking them to “put a cap on breast cancer.” Create flyers and posters announcing National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Feature photographs of breast cancer survivors from your organization/ facility wearing “Hope, Love, Cure” Caps. Hold sales of the caps to raise money for a breast cancer related group or program. When someone purchases a cap, give that person a few Pink Ribbon Embroidered Appliques to pass on and expand the reach of your campaign.

Outstanding Displays

2011-09-21T08:24:00.002-07:00

Let creativity shine while raising awareness by organizing a door decorating contest for staff members. Encourage contestants to come up with an interesting breast cancer-related theme for each door. Require an educational component. Allow employees whose work areas don’t have doors to decorate their desks instead. Assemble a panel of judges to pick winners. Award a “Live, Love, Believe In The Cure” Briefcase Messenger Bag to first place. Present second and third place with “Live, Love, Believe In The Cure” Drawstring Backpacks.

Wearing Your Support

2011-09-21T08:24:00.001-07:00

Apparel featuring pink ribbons and slogans about breast cancer show commitment to a cause. And each time something is worn, much-needed attention is brought to the subject. Recruit volunteers to sell Message Ribbon Women’s Cut T-Shirts and “Real Men Wear Pink” Navy T-Shirts. Start within your own company, facility, or school. Then have your volunteers take the clothing out into the community, to well-attended events.

Fairy Godmother

2011-09-21T08:19:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you are looking for a special NBCAM project that your organization can focus on. Consider setting up a fund for people in your community who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Specify that the money goes toward granting a wish of each person chosen. During October, hold several fundraisers. Thank donors with “Get Your Pink On!” Fabric Zip Purses With Key Rings or Butterfly Mini Totes. Also, collect applications from breast cancer patients that state what their wishes are. At the end of the month, hold a ceremony in which you announce the recipients of the money.

Books And Breast Cancer

2011-07-07T06:45:00.000-07:00

Sometimes patients undergoing breast cancer treatment must travel long distances for appointments. Ease this burden by supplying prepaid gas cards; raise the funds for the gas cards through a used book sale. If you have a women’s organization in your church, work with its members on this project. Spread the word that you need donations of books. Use Breast Cancer Awareness Angel Lapel Pins to thank everyone who donates a minimum number of books. Have the books for sale after your worship services during October. Whenever someone buys three or more books, hand out “Strength, Hope, Faith, Courage” Deluxe Laminated Bookmarks. Both the bookmarks and the lapel pin presentation cards feature breast cancer screening guidelines on the back, which will add an educational aspect to your fundraiser.

Putting It In Writing

2011-07-07T06:43:00.000-07:00

Provide everyone in your congregation with a place to recognize friends and family who have been affected by breast cancer. Start with a roll of pink bulletin board paper. Then sketch out a large ribbon and cut it out. Hang this paper ribbon in your church’s fellowship hall and invite people to write the names of their loved ones. Have “Live, Love, Believe In The Cure” Pink Silicone Bracelets available near the display so those who write a name can take one to wear and show their support out in the community. Then help all the women of your church better their health by giving each one a Women’s Monthly Planner & Pen Set to keep track of their appointments for breast exams, mammograms, and other medical tests.

In The Pink

2011-07-07T06:40:00.000-07:00

Ask the members of your church to wear pink on Sundays during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. There are five Sundays in October this year. Supply a sheet of paper from “Hope, Love, Cure” Sticky Pads to each person who wants to participate. Whenever someone arrives in pink attire, give an Embroidered Pink Ribbon to place on his or her paper. On the last Sunday of the month, have all your participants turn in their sheets. Award a “Strength, Hope, Faith, Courage” Recycled Tote Bag to any who has earned all five pink ribbons.

Presented the American Cancer Society

2011-05-31T07:50:00.000-07:00

Positive Promotions presented the American Cancer Society with a $15,000 check to support the society’s research and educational efforts and its programs and services for breast cancer patients and their families. From left: Stephanie Felner, Positive Promotions Senior Marketing Manager; Sylvia Diaz, American Cancer Society Eastern Division, Regional Vice President; Nelson Taxel, Positive Promotions President and CEO; Mary Hunt, Positive Promotions Director of Merchandising.

Heavyweight Celebration

2011-05-31T07:43:00.001-07:00

Generate enthusiasm with a month-long theme. Ask everyone to “Join In The Fight Against Breast Cancer.” Utilize boxing images and phrases. The first of October, announce “Let’s get ready to rumble!” Call each week a “round” (week one is round one, etc.). Create a bulletin board display of information titled “Knockout Cancer.” Use “Fight Like A Girl” Miniature Boxing Glove Key Chains and “Fight Like A Girl” Wide Silicone Bracelets as rewards for participation in events.

Hope Blooms

2011-05-31T07:41:00.000-07:00

Sponsor an event that will have an impact this fall and next spring. During NBCAM, hold a ceremony in which participants plant pink tulip bulbs. Hand out Pink Ribbon Flower Lapel Pins to everyone there. In conjunction with the ceremony, organize a flower and plant sale to raise money for a breast cancer support group. In April, the tulips should sprout. As they blossom, distribute our Forget-Me-Not Breast Care Reminder Seed Packets which feature screening recommendations. The seed packets and pink tulips will remind people of the efforts to end breast cancer.

Focus On Food

2011-05-31T07:40:00.000-07:00

Good nutrition is one contributing factor in lowering the risk of breast cancer. So hold a lunch ‘n’ learn event about healthy eating. Title this activity “Pack A Pink Powerful Lunch.” During the presentation, give suggestions of foods that are both nutritional powerhouses and easy to bring in a lunch bag. Also provide new ways of preparing healthy foods that have been lunchbox staples for a long time, such as apples. Present each guest with a “Hope, Love, Cure” Pink Verve Vertical Lunch Bag containing a “What Everyone Should Know About Breast Cancer” Pocket Pal.

Drawing A Crowd

2011-05-31T07:38:00.000-07:00

Increase involvement in NBCAM activities by holding multiple raffles throughout October. Type up a list of ways that people can earn raffle tickets. These could include wearing pink for the day, donating a dollar to the cause, doing a breast self-exam, walking 10,000 steps in a day, sending a card to someone with breast cancer, or eating a pink food. Tailor the list to your organization’s situation. Order the Super Deluxe Awareness Raffle Pack for its tickets and prizes. When you give out a ticket for accomplishing something on the list, also give the recipient “Mammograms: A Few Mo‘mints’ For A Lifetime” Mints.

Get Your Pink On

2011-05-31T07:37:00.000-07:00

Choose a day to “pink” out your facility (or office or school). Publicize the date well in advance and invite everyone to wear pink clothes. Decorate with as much pink as you can. Also, serve pink snacks. Present “Get Your Pink On!” Sticky Pads or “Get Your Pink On!” Comfort Grip Pens to all who participate in the pinkness. If anyone goes the extra mile and colors his or her hair pink, award a “Get Your Pink On!” T-Shirt.

“Dough”nations Wanted

2011-05-31T07:36:00.000-07:00

A unique fundraiser will get people’s attention. Try selling homemade soft pretzels. Give the pretzels a special “twist” for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by shaping the dough into large awareness ribbons before baking. Offer pink cream cheese as a topping. If someone donates more money than the price you are charging for the pretzels, say thanks with a “Making A Difference One Woman At A Time” Emery Board or Butterfly Embroidered Ribbon Roll Applique.

Ways To Wellness

2011-05-31T07:33:00.000-07:00

In 2011, plan Wellness Wednesdays for October. The first week, kick things off with a walk around the neighborhood. To garner more attention for your group, ask everyone in it to wear pink shirts while walking. Speak about the benefits of physical activity. Give out Weekly Planners With Wellness Tips and “I’d Walk Forever For A Cure” Stainless Steel Water Bottles to all your walkers. Each Wednesday, distribute more information about overall health and breast health. Consider handing out “Breast Health: 8 Steps Every Woman Should Take” Bookmarks.

2010 Breast Cancer Awareness Contest Winners

2011-05-31T07:29:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the winners of our annual Breast Cancer Awareness Contest. And thank you to all the other entrants who shared their celebrations with us.

Grand Prize
Southwest Medical Center
Liberal, Kansas

Second Prize
Wayne Memorial Hospital
Jesup, Georgia

Third Prize
Madison County Breast Cancer Support Group
Richmond, Kentucky

Honorable Mention
Effingham Hospital
Springfield, Georgia
Cuyuna Regional Medical Center
Crosby, Minnesota

Look for a 2011 contest entry form with your order or print one off our Web site, www.positivepromotions.com, at the Contest Info Center.

Decades of Care & Concern

2011-05-31T07:24:00.000-07:00

More than four decades ago, a program called Reach To Recovery became a part of the American Cancer Society. This support network unites trained volunteers with women and men who are in various stages of breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, or recovery. The volunteers, breast cancer survivors themselves, provide comfort, understanding, and hope. To locate a Reach To Recovery program in your area, to volunteer or to make a donation, call 1-800-ACS-2345. For more information, check the ACS web site at www.cancer.org.

Positive Promotions Gives Back

2010-09-28T09:46:00.001-07:00

Positive Promotions presented the American Cancer Society with a $20,000 check to support the society’s research and educational efforts and its programs and services for breast cancer patients and their families. From left: Debbie Gaspar, Positive Promotions Director of Marketing; Carole Vande Velde, American Cancer Society Eastern Division, Director of Corporate Relations, Nelson Taxel, Positive Promotions President and CEO; Mary Hunt, Positive Promotions Director of Merchandising and Anne Thorsen, American Cancer Society Eastern Division, Senior Director for Corporate Development.

We Want To Hear About Your Breast Cancer Awareness Month Activities

2010-07-26T08:14:00.000-07:00

We Want To Hear About Your Breast Cancer Awareness Month Activities. We will award the three best and most creative entries a cash prize! Third Prize $100, Second Prize $300 and Grand Prize $500.

Please tell us about the special way you celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Send us a typed description of your Breast Cancer Awareness Month events. We will award the three best and most creative entries a cash prize!

• What did you do? Tell us about special activities you held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

• What materials did you use?
How did you use Positive Promotions products?

• How did your event make an impact on your staff, patients and community?

• Along with your description, please send photos of activities and samples of additional materials and creative work, if possible.

Please take a moment to supply us with the information. Click here to download your entry form and include this form with your contest entry materials. Thank you.

Send your entry to:
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH CONTEST COORDINATOR
POSITIVE PROMOTIONS
15 GILPIN AVE., PO BOX 18021
HAUPPAUGE, NY 11788-8821

Winners will be announced on our website, www.positivebca.com, on or about March 9, 2011. Hurry! All entries must be received by December 20, 2010

We reserve the right to use the information you provide in our company promotions.

Positive Promotions Gives Back

2010-07-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

Did you know that every 3 minutes another woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer?* Though the statistic is startling, there is also promising news: thanks to increased awareness and improved treatments, deaths from breast cancer have actually declined and survivors are living longer, healthier lives.

Regular breast self exams, annual mammograms and simply knowing the facts about breast cancer are vital steps all women can take to protect their breast health. Positive Promotions is committed to helping you with your awareness and education programs by offering this catalog of exclusively designed, effective breast care products certain to fit any budget. We are proud to announce that we donate a portion of our proceeds from these products to support prominent organizations in the fight for a cure.

Together we can make a difference! The products and educational tools in our catalog help you give every woman up-to-date information about breast cancer risk and prevention. You’ll also find giveaways designed to show support and provide hope for patients battling the disease–and for the people who love them. Hand out these tools at hospitals, medical centers, presentations and health fairs. Display them in waiting rooms and break rooms. Present item at walks, runs and other fundraisers.

* NBCAM.org

Offering Comfort And Hope

2010-06-30T08:01:00.001-07:00

For more than 40 years, Reach To Recovery volunteers have spoken with patients and their families, answered questions, and helped them make informed decisions. To locate the Reach To Recovery program in your area, to volunteer, or to make a donation, call 1-800-ACS-2345. For details, check the ACS Web site at www.cancer.org.

Soothing Activity

2010-06-30T08:00:00.003-07:00

Find out if any groups in your community provide personal care items to cancer patients. If so, boost their inventory! Start by ordering Lip Balm, which can be personalized with the name of your organization, facility, or business. Then ask everyone to contribute more items to supplement this supply. Award Embroidered Pink Ribbon Butterflies to indicate who donated.

Aloha Guests

2010-06-30T08:00:00.001-07:00

To draw people into your educational NBCAM activity, try a Hawaiian theme. Adorn your facility with tropical decorations. Have your employees and/or volunteers wear pink Hawaiian shirts. Place a flower lei on attendees as they arrive. Play ukulele music. Keep fruit-flavored drinks, such as pineapple and mango, cold in Insulated Cooler Bags. And reward every participant with a Flowered Flip Flop Lapel Pin.

A Pink Glow

2010-06-30T07:59:00.001-07:00

Light up your town to raise funds and awareness. Get permission to wrap strings of pink lights around light posts in your downtown area. Ask businesses, organizations, and individuals to each sponsor a post. Attach signs that tell who sponsored them and that announce National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Use Pink Ribbon Luminaries With Flameless Tea Lights or Light Up Mirrors as thank-you gifts for the sponsors.

Out And About

2010-06-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

Organize a Women’s Day Out event to celebrate NBCAM. Contact professionals who offer services to women and see if they will donate their time. Set up a booth for each one, and assign them clever names. For example, have a “Give Breast Cancer Awareness A Hand” manicure booth, a “Cut For A Cure” hairdressing booth, and a “Show Your Support” bra-fitting booth. Charge an admission fee to offset the cost of holding this event. During your special day, distribute educational materials, such as the 2011 Women’s Monthly Planner With Wellness Tips and the “Know Your Numbers: Women’s Health Tests Recorder” Pocket Pal & Pen Set .

Yes We Can Fight Breast Cancer

2010-06-30T07:56:00.002-07:00

During October, fight hunger as well as breast cancer. Announce that you will be collecting nonperishable food at your NBCAM event(s). If you have a facility or business, you instead could accept food throughout the whole month. Give out a Breast/Testicular Self-Exam Two-Sided Shower Card to each person who brings in a food donation. Also give him or her a raffle ticket from the Awareness Raffle Pack. Hold the drawing either at the end of your event or the end of the month. Donate the food to a local women’s shelter.

Sent With Love

2010-06-30T07:56:00.001-07:00

Double the amount of women you reach this year with your awareness efforts. Postcard paper is now available for regular printers; templates are found online. Design postcards that read, “Someone who cares about you wants to remind you that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Please schedule a mammogram if you haven’t had one in 2010 yet. And remember to perform self-exams.” Attach postage ahead of time. Have people address the backs of the postcards to friends or relatives, using “Live, Love, Believe In The Cure” Comfort Grip Pens and “Strength, Hope, Faith, Courage” Tri Band Pens. Let them keep the pens.

Educated And Prepared To Fight Breast Cancer

2010-06-30T07:55:00.000-07:00

Help women in your community be prepared for dangerous situations by holding a self-defense class. Bring in an expert to lead the training. After class members have worked up a thirst, hand out “Fight Like A Girl” Stainless Steel Water Bottles filled with a refreshing beverage. Then do a short presentation on mammograms, clinical breast exams, and breast self-exams. Send everyone home with “The Best Protection Is Early Detection” Light & Whistle Key Rings . The whistle can be blown in an emergency.

Cooking For A Cure

2010-06-30T07:54:00.000-07:00

A few months before NBCAM, begin coordinating a tasty fundraiser. Put out the word that you need recipes so you can create a cookbook, which will be sold to benefit breast cancer research. Present a Pink Ribbon-Shaped Cookie Cutter to each person who volunteers to contribute a recipe. Ask everyone to add a pink element to the recipes to tie them to breast cancer awareness. In October, hold an open house where you sell the cookbooks. Hand out a Die-Cut Pink Ribbon Magnetic Bookmark with each one. Have samples of the featured food as refreshments.

The Next Generation

2009-05-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

In order for early detection to continue to save lives, skilled healthcare practitioners are needed to conduct clinical breast exams, mammograms and MRIs. Organize a medical careers night for high school students and undecided college students. Have representatives from a wide variety of medical fields, but place a special focus on diagnostic imaging and breast health. Utilize a Deluxe Decoration Pack to give a breast cancer awareness theme to your event location. Hand out personalized Silhouette Pens so everyone remembers the name of your organization.

Coping Made Easier

2009-05-19T09:00:00.001-07:00

Forty years ago, a program called Reach To Recovery became a part of the American Cancer Society. Throughout the decades, volunteers have offered heartfelt understanding, support and hope because they themselves were survivors of breast cancer. The program is still going strong. To locate the Reach To Recovery in your area, to volunteer or to make a donation, call 1-800-ACS-2345. For more information, check the ACS Web site at www.cancer.org.

Crafty Idea

2009-05-19T08:59:00.002-07:00

At your next awareness table, make an impact with an interesting visual. First research the average size of tumors found by getting regular mammograms compared to tumors found by regular breast self-exams, occasional self-exams, etc. Diagrams of this are available on many Web sites. Print out an example and take it with you to a craft store so you can buy beads whose sizes match the tumor sizes. Create sets to distribute by stringing beads together. Also hand out “Get The Facts About Breast Health” Slideguides and Women’s Breast Care Diaries so recipients know the recommended screening schedule.

In The Pink

2009-05-19T08:59:00.001-07:00

Ask employees to wear pink on Wednesdays in October. Build a chart that lists each employee and has a column for each week. Place an Embroidered Pink Ribbon on the appropriate spot when someone dons pink. Arrange for your company/facility to donate a set amount to breast cancer research for each ribbon on the chart. Give a “Every Woman Counts” Full-Color Travel Tumbler to the employees who participate on all four Wednesdays.

Squash Breast Cancer

2009-05-19T08:58:00.001-07:00

Since Halloween occurs during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, combine the two! Sponsor a pumpkin-decorating contest well in advance of the spooky holiday. In announcements about the contest, explain that the entries need to relate to breast cancer in subject matter or color. Use Silicone Wristband Keychains to thank everyone who participates. Award a Two-Tone Drawstring Backpack to the best pumpkin decorators. Display these creations throughout your building in the weeks leading up to Halloween.

Go Green And Pink

2009-05-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

Take advantage of technology to get everyone’s mind on breast cancer and save some paper! Design a quiz about the topic. The Women & Breast Health Action Handbook contains a lot of information that would be helpful. E-mail the quiz to everyone in your organization. Have them type in their responses and e-mail the quiz back to you. Send out the correct answers by e-mail, too. Make the handbooks available for those who want to learn more. Give Recycled Totes to those with the highest quiz scores.

Layers Of Support

2009-05-19T08:56:00.001-07:00

Set up a system for rewarding people who donate to your NBCAM fundraiser. For a $5 donation, offer a “Join The Fight” Pink Awareness Bracelet and a “Strength, Hope, Faith, Courage” Sticky Pad . For a $10 donation, offer the Bracelet, Sticky Pad and a Vinyl Pouch Gift Set. For a $20 donation, offer the Bracelet, Sticky Pad, Gift Set and Baseball Cap (see page11). Cut pictures of these items from our catalog. Using the pictures, create a flyer that explains the fundraiser. Make color copies and distribute.

Terrific Tournament

2009-05-19T08:55:00.001-07:00

Bowling can put the “fun” in fundraising. Find a bowling alley that is willing to donate the use of its lanes. Set a participation fee, then encourage everyone to collect money above and beyond that amount. Bowlers could ask friends and family to sponsor them per pin that they knock down. During the event, sell raffle tickets for gifts, such as Pink Double Pocket Totes and Pink Insulated Cooler Bags (see back cover). Add an educational element by distributing “Breast Cancer Risks And Recommendations” Bookmarks. For One Day Only Invite merchants in your area to join you in supporting breast cancer awareness. Choose a certain day to turn pink. See if the merchants will give discounts, such as 10% off, or other special offers, such as buy one/get one free, to people who come in wearing pink on that day. Supply these businesses with “Together We Make A Difference” Lapel Pins for their staff members. Outfit the owners or managers with Embroidered Double Pique V-Neck Shirts. Publicize a list of the participating businesses.

Offering Comfort And Hope

2008-07-01T08:22:00.001-07:00

For almost 40 years, the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery program has been helping women and men cope with breast cancer. Trained volunteers, who are breast cancer survivors, give patients and their families the chance to express their feelings and ask questions. To locate a Reach to Recovery program in your area, to volunteer or to make a donation, call 1-800-ACS-2345. For more information, check the ACS web site at www.cancer.org

Important Note

2008-07-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

What goes up must come down. Balloons released into the air return to the Earth and become litter. Animals may be harmed be either swallowing the balloons or getting tangled in the strings. Here are some suggestions for enjoying helium-filled “The Best Protection Is Early Detection” Balloons without releasing them.

• Attach balloons to a cart that is loaded with educational items; push cart up and down hallways as you distribute items.

• Have balloons on hand to give to any children who visit your facility during October.

• Use balloons, each marked with a number, in a drawing instead of raffle tickets.

Picture Perfect Theme

2008-07-01T08:17:00.001-07:00

Create a “Picture Yourself Healthy” campaign. Design and display posters with the saying “Take a picture that could save your life—a mammogram”. Obtain several large picture frames. Then have people submit photos of loved ones. Attach the words “What We Live For” to each frame and place multiple photos inside. Spread out “Get The Facts About Breast Health” Slideguides and “Mammograms… A Few Minutes For A Lifetime” Sticky Pads on tables. Hang the frames above the tables.

Pretty Successful

2008-07-01T08:14:00.001-07:00

Hold a princess party to help women feel young again while they learn about breast cancer. Begin by ordering a Super Deluxe Awareness Assortment With Display Basket. Decorate your event location with pink, sparkly adornments. Ahead of time, round up used princess-style prom dresses and bridesmaid dresses. Offer guests the opportunity to “play dress up” and wear a gown during the event, if they want. Provide a tiara for each guest, and treat everyone like royalty. Have a healthcare professional speak about the latest in breast cancer screenings. End the festivities with drawings for Purse-Shaped Manicure Kits .

Caring And Sharing

2008-07-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

This year, extend the impact of your awareness campaign. Present two Punch-Out Reminder Shower Cards and one “Early Detection Saves Lives” Pink Awareness Bracelet to each person at your NBCAM events. Title your promotion the “Keep One, Share One” giveaway. Instruct recipients to keep a shower card and pass the other one on to someone else. Tell them to wear the bracelet as a reminder to talk to friends and family about breast cancer.

Sweet Activity

2008-07-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

Provide an outlet for creativity while raising funds for breast cancer research by sponsoring a cake-decorating contest. When you announce the contest, let everyone know the cakes will not be returned but will instead be used for a cake walk. Have categories to compete in, such as the prettiest and the largest number of pink ribbons. Award Desktop/Travel Alarm Clocks imprinted with “Time For A Mammogram?” to the winners. Charge a fee for participation in the cake walk. Give an Embroidered Pink Ribbon to each person who pays to join in.

Lifesaving Gift

2008-07-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

In October, let your employees or volunteers know that “a mammogram is a gift to yourself and your family.” Cover doors inside your building with pink wrapping paper. Stick pink bows all over, on cubicles, computers, etc. Cut giant gift tags out of large pieces of paper and write on them, “Gift To Self...Mammogram.” Then hang tags on the walls. Reward people who have had a mammogram in the last 12 months by giving them a gift, such as a Mini Awareness Tote or Awareness Mouse Pad. Encourage more women to schedule mammograms by passing out “Mammograms...A Gift To Yourself & Your Family” Emery Boards.

Flower Power

2008-07-01T07:57:00.001-07:00

Turn an outside area into a place where members of your community can go to be refreshed, during NBCAM and all year. Set up a Garden of Hope. Sell Flower-Shaped Breast Cancer Awareness Lapel Pins and other breast cancer awareness gifts to raise money for the garden’s plants. Make signs with positive sayings. Put them, as well as big pink ribbons, in the garden. At the entrance to the garden, keep “Think Pink” Breast Care Awareness Seed Packets in a container. That way, visitors can take the packets home to have screening guidelines handy and to be able to plant their own flowers.

Moving Monument

2008-07-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

Organize a touching display for your facility. Gather material squares, fabric paint and markers. Ask staff members and guests (or students if you’re on a campus) to make flags in memory of someone who has died of breast cancer or in support of someone who currently has the disease. Thank contributors with Pink Pencils and “Strength, Hope, Faith, Courage” Comfort Grip Pens. Fly the flags outside. For added attention, tie pink ribbons to a grapevine wreath and hang it on your facility’s front door.