"Partnering with Contours Express is a great opportunity for the Foundation to raise awareness and additional funds towards our mission of eradicating breast cancer in our lifetime," said Myra J. Biblowit, President, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. "In an attempt to maximize our efforts towards finding a cure, the Foundation insists in using 85% of all money raised for research and awareness programs; we're excited to partner with Contours Express to further our goal."
Since its inception, the Foundation has raised more than $144 million -- over $27 million in fiscal year 2006 alone -- to support clinical and genetic research at medical institutions across the globe conducting the most advanced and promising breast cancer research that will help lead to prevention and a cure in our lifetime. In October 2006, over $24.3 million will be awarded to more than 116 researchers across the United States and in Canada, Europe, Israel, and Latin America.
"The latest estimates assume that 12.5% of our 100,000 members have either been affected or know someone who's been affected by breast cancer," said Bill Helton, President, Contours Express, LLC. "By partnering with The Foundation, we are providing our members with not only an effective work-out routine and weight loss plan, but also a strong support system working to fight this life threatening disease."
"According to our research the support of friends and family is an important component to any woman suffering from breast cancer," said Pamela Goodwin, MD, Professor of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital at the University of Toronto. "Being overweight or obese has also proven to be an adverse quality in breast cancer."
This research supports the partnership between Contours Express and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) and is in part why the Contours Express corporate office has pledged to raise thousands of dollars between September and December through multiple initiatives.
The partnership will kick off its first initiative during the month of September at Contours Express locations nationwide. The event, "Bunco For Breast Cancer," will be open to all current Contours Express club members and those in the community interested in participating. The second event, "10-5 To Save Lives; Exercising To Make A Difference" is a specific day where all Contours Express members will donate their 29-minute workout to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Each member will raise pledges for their workouts and donate the proceeds to the cause. Donations will be made directly to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. More information about the events can be found at www.ContoursExpress.com or www.bcrfcure.org.
About Contours Express
Contours Express, based in Nicholasville, Kentucky, second only to Curves, is enjoying phenomenal success with more than 360 fitness centers operating nationwide. Additional locations include Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Europe, Asia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Guam, and Australia. By 2009, company executives project at least 1,000 Contours Express clubs will be operating around the world.
About BCRF (Breast Cancer Research Foundation)
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation(R) was founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder as an independent, not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to funding innovative clinical and genetic research. The Foundation supports scientists at leading medical centers worldwide whose research is focused on achieving prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime. A minimum of 85 cents of each dollar donated to the Foundation goes directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs. BCRF is currently funding over 110 researchers across the U.S. and in Canada, Europe, Latin America, and Israel. The Foundation has received the highest rating from Charity Navigator, four stars, for five consecutive years, which means BCRF has outperformed over 98.7% of more than 5,000 evaluated charities in efficiently managing its finances. For more information, visit www.bcrfcure.org or call 1.866.FIND.A.CURE.
