Brooks Raises Money for Breast Cancer Research

I am a fan of Brooks, even more so as Moving Comfort is on board with them. Brooks has always been charitable minded and have a wonderful giving program called Run B'cause which encourages people to run and get active to promote healthy living.

Just last year Brooks launched their Brooks for Her collection (BFH) to help support the fight against breast cancer. For each BFH piece purchased from March through December of 2009, Brooks donated 6.25% of the suggested retail price to three organizations that research and support those affected by breast cancer: The Young Survival Coalition, Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation, and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, earmarked for breast cancer research. Nearly $27,000 was distributed to these three charities - and the campaign continues through 2010!

The BFH program works like this... "Brooks will donate 6.25% of the retail price for each Brooks For Her item sold from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2010, to preselected charities that support breast cancer research, awareness, and support. Consumers will vote for which charity they’d like to receive donation."

The BFH 2010 Program begins on March 2nd and runs through December 31st. This is great! No excuses as the program runs for nearly a year giving any loyal Brook customer to be a part of giving back and making a difference to this important cause. Plus, you can run and look pretty in pink at the same time.

(Disclosure: Moving Comfort is a brand of Brooks Running and a client of givingadvice)

Athena Cosmetics Embraces Philanthropy as a Way of Business

I get 'tickled pink' when I come across a story of a business that embraces giving in every aspect of the company. It is one thing to give a percentage of profits to causes and it is another to do that, plus give time, energy and other financial resources to a cause. And when customers, employees and staff are involved in the efforts, it is clear to see just what the company believes in, stands for, and is committed to solving in this world. These are the companies worth sharing with our givingadvice community followers.

So, today's blog highlights an extraordinary cosmetic company, Athena Cosmetics, Inc. The beauty (pun is intended) of this cosmetic company lies in the story about how Revitalash® started and the authentic expression about what they are committed to, hands down.

Athena Cosmetics created a line of beauty products to enhance a woman's natural beauty. One of them is the Revitalash® Eyelash Conditioner. It is a unique eyelash conditioner that will help you achieve the natural beauty of Longer, Thicker, Fuller looking eyelashes. Every woman would love this, me included. Revitalash® Eyelash Conditioner was developed by Dr. Michael Brinkenhoff as a special gift for his wife, Gayle, while she was recovering from breast cancer. It was the treatment that left her eyelashes sparse and thin. After research with his team of highly specialized scientist, they formulated the conditioner to help women, especially those undergoing chemotherapy, achieve having fuller eyelashes. It seems like such a simple thing, to want fuller eyelashes. But, every woman knows that when you have fuller eyelashes, you feel and look better. Face it, advertisements and commercials about fuller, thicker, voluminous lashes work and so does Revitalash®.

In his own words, from their website, Dr. Michael Brinkenhoff says, “Often we feel helpless when someone we love is suffering. I am very fortunate, in my own small way, to have been able to help Gayle through her recovery. Watching her be excited about her beautiful looking eyelashes has been a real joy.”

It is so evident in Athena Cosmetics' story their commitment to breast cancer research and education initiatives. It is this focus, the connection of their giving message to market in an authentic way that is compelling and makes you just want to buy their products and tell your girlfriends about them too.

"Athena Cosmetics, Inc. is proud and honored to devote time, energy and resources to the goal of fighting breast cancer both by public education programs and by the contribution of time, energy and financial resources to the ultimate goal of finding a cure for this epidemic disease...."