Safeway Gives $1.3 M for Breast Cancer Research, Prevention in Western Wash.

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Following a month-long breast cancer fundraising and public service campaign that joined customers, employees, and suppliers in making donations to help find a cure and bring awareness to breast cancer, Safeway Inc. based here donated $1.3 million for critical research and prevention programs in Western Washington.

"As a longstanding partner with premier cancer research and treatment facilities in Western Washington, we remain steadfast as a company to aid in the fight against breast cancer," said Cherie Myers, spokeswoman for the Bellevue, Wash.-based Safeway division. "By partnering with the most innovative research institutions and focusing on critical prevention programs, we are confident a cure will be found within our lifetime," Myers added.

The funds raised in Western Washington were presented to a variety of beneficiaries, including: Breast Cancer Research Institute; Seattle Cancer Care Alliance; Dr. Julie Gralow of the Wellness Center at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance; and Dr. Wendy DeMartini of Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

Safeway has become a corporate leader in cancer research, providing nearly $70 million for breast cancer and prostate cancer causes during the past six years. Safeway dedicates the month of October to raising money for breast cancer research and prevention programs where customers are able to make donations at each checkstand and purchase specially marked "pink ribbon" products in stores.

In addition to raising funds, this year's campaign focused on educating women about detection and prevention of breast cancer, the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among women. The company reached millions of women through public service messages that appeared in radio commercials, electronic point-of-sale screens, in-store signage, weekly print sales circulars and the safeway.com website.

Grammy and Oscar winner Melissa Etheridge, a breast cancer survivor, lent her name and voice to the public service messages and donated proceeds from the sale of her new critically-acclaimed CD, "The Awakening," sold in Safeway stores to breast cancer research and awareness programs. Etheridge also performed at The Safeway Foundation's benefit Gala on November 3 which raised $1.4 million for foundation.

Safeway, which was named as Progressive Grocer's 2007 Retailer of the Year, operates 1,738 stores in the United States and western Canada.
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