Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Donates $1.4 Million for Breast Cancer Research
The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer announced a donation of $1.4 million for the current year, raising the total to $36 million in support of breast cancer research. The funds will support groundbreaking research at the Vera Bradley Foundation Center for Breast Cancer Research at Indiana University School of Medicine. Despite COVID-19 challenges resulting in the cancellation of events, the Foundation's community of donors and volunteers remained committed to the cause. Proceeds from limited-edition face masks will also contribute to funding.
- Donation of $1.4 million raised this year for breast cancer research.
- Total donations reach $36 million, supporting innovative research.
- Community involvement remained strong despite event cancellations.
- Cancellation of the Foundation's signature fundraising events due to COVID-19.
FORT WAYNE, Ind., Nov. 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer (the "Foundation") today announced current year donations of
Funds raised solely support the groundbreaking research being conducted at the Vera Bradley Foundation Center for Breast Cancer Research at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana, which is part of the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center (the “IU Cancer Center”). The IU Cancer Center is designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the highest level of recognition awarded by the National Cancer Institute for research excellence.
"I am deeply touched by and tremendously grateful for the generosity of the Vera Bradley Foundation and its community of donors, sponsors and volunteers. Despite the pandemic, their commitment to women who battle the most difficult-to-treat breast cancers hasn’t wavered. This tenacity inspires us every day as we work to end breast cancer," noted Indiana University School of Medicine Dean Jay Hess, MD, PhD, MHSA.
Traditionally, the Foundation raises funds through its annual signature events, including the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Classic, a weekend of sporting events including golf, yoga and pickleball, and Tickled Pink – A Gathering of Girlfriends, which unites Vera Bradley enthusiasts for a behind-the-scenes brand experience. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the Foundation’s 2020 events were canceled.
As an alternative to hosting its signature events, the Foundation’s dedicated volunteers sewed face masks and assembled “Gifts of Hope,” pre-packaged Vera Bradley gift sets, as special donor incentives to encourage online donations. In addition to fundraisers led by the Foundation, individual donors, dedicated friends, Vera Bradley retail partners and other committed supporters nationwide host a variety of events and fundraisers throughout the year. Donations also are made by Vera Bradley customers while shopping in-store or on verabradley.com.
To raise funds for breast cancer research this year, Vera Bradley released a limited-edition two-pack of its Cotton Face Masks in exclusive Foundation prints – Felicity Paisley and Felicity Paisley Pink – available for
"As we conclude our fiscal year, I am reminded of both the challenges we have faced and the advancements we have witnessed in 2020. Despite the cancellation of our in-person events, I am thrilled with and so appreciative for all of the donors and volunteers who have made it possible for us to donate
“When I talk with women and men whose lives have been affected by breast cancer, I gain a renewed sense of the importance of what we do daily: raise funds for groundbreaking research to improve and save lives,” Houk continued. “Together, we are making a difference and providing hope for a future free from breast cancer."
For more information and updates on the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, please follow Vera Bradley and the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer on Facebook and @verabradley and @verabradleyfoundation on Instagram.
ABOUT VERA BRADLEY FOUNDATION FOR BREAST CANCER
The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer raises funds for breast cancer research to find a cure and to improve the lives of the many affected by this disease. Vera Bradley’s co-founders began raising funds after the loss of a dear friend to the disease in 1993. The Foundation has contributed
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