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Donations, which benefit the Women's Cancer Programs of the EntertainmentIndustry Foundation, are projected to reach between $4 and $5 million,bringing the 13-year total to nearly $75 million. Proceeds will fund researchfocused on less toxic, more effective treatments for breast cancer and a bloodtest for early detection, in addition to supporting advocacy nationwide.
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ABC stars Chandra Wilson (Dr. Miranda Bailey of Grey's Anatomy) and TimDaly (Dr. Pete Wilder of Private Practice) serve as 2008 Lee National DenimDay ambassadors on behalf of EIF and have rallied the nation to join themtoday. Both Daly and Wilson have spoken about their personal connections tobreast cancer; Daly's close friend is currently battling the disease, andseveral of Wilson's family members have been affected by cancer.
Lee National Denim Day is one of the nation's largest single-dayfundraisers for breast cancer. While companies, organizations and groups offriends and family nationwide were celebrating Denim Day in their own waytoday, a company-wide ceremony was held at Lee Jeans headquarters. Actor TimDaly, representatives from the Women's Cancer Programs of EIF, Dr. FunmiOlopade, from Lee Translational Laboratory at University of Chicago, and FranVisco, president of the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC), spoke aboutthe importance of breast cancer research and honored breast cancer survivorsin attendance.
"The Women's Cancer Programs of the Entertainment Industry Foundation wascreated in an effort to bring together some of the very best scientists andinstitutions in the country to collaborate on groundbreaking researchprojects," said Lisa Paulsen, president and CEO of the Entertainment IndustryFoundation. "We are so grateful to Lee Jeans for its enormous commitment tothis annual fundraiser, and our dedicated volunteer ambassadors Chandra andTim for giving so much of their time to bring attention to our collectiveefforts."
Net proceeds from Lee National Denim Day will fund Lee Laboratoriesnationwide to find more effective, less toxic breast cancer treatments,develop a blood test for earlier detection of breast cancer when survivalrates are highest, help NBCC create online and print resources about breastcancer, and train additional advocates to educate patients and their familiesabout new clinical trials.
"Lee National Denim Day is always an inspirational day -- it isheartwarming to hear all the stories about people who are participating forloved ones they've lost, people who are currently fighting, or those who joinsimply because they want to make a difference," said Liz Cahill, director ofmarketing and communications at Lee Jeans. "It's a wonderful feeling to knowthat hundreds of thousands of people across the country are coming together onthis special day and raising millions of dollars that will help save lives."
Lee(R) Jeans is a division of VF Corporation. (NYSE: VFC). Headquarteredin Merriam, Kan., Lee manufactures and markets brand denim, casual pants,shirts, fleece and knit apparel. VF Corporation is a leader in brandedlifestyle apparel including jeanswear, outdoor products, image apparel andsportswear. Its principal brands include Wrangler(R), Lee(R), Riders(R),Rustler(R), The North Face(R), Vans(R), Reef(R), Napapijri(R), Kipling(R),Nautica(R), John Varvatos(R), JanSport(R), Eastpak(R), Eagle Creek(R), LeeSport(R), Majestic(R) and Red Kap(R). VF Corporation's press releases, annualreport and other information can be accessed through the company's home page,http://www.vfc.com.
The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), as a leading charitableorganization of the entertainment industry, has distributed hundreds ofmillions of dollars to support charitable initiatives addressing criticalhealth, education and social issues. Through its Women's Cancer Programs, theEntertainment Industry Foundation is committed to saving lives by raisingawareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer andreproductive cancers, providing funds to advance treatment research, earlydetection methods, and supporting community programs that assist the millionsof women and their families at risk of or affected by cancer. For questionsabout EIF's Women's Cancer Programs and information, visithttp://www.eifoundation.org or call 800-426-0010.
Lee Jeans founded Lee National Denim Day, one of the largest single-dayfundraisers for breast cancer, in 1996. This year, more than 600,000 people atmore than 30,000 locations across the country participated and an estimated$4-$5 million was raised, bringing the 13-year total to nearly $75 million.Celebrities involved in this year's event include Chandra Wilson (of Grey'sAnatomy) and Tim Daly (of Private Practice).Media Contacts: Annie Arnold, 816.423.6066, [email protected] Megan Hutchison, 816.423.6019, [email protected] Judi Ketcik, 818.262.1050, [email protected]
SOURCE Lee Jeans
