Yoplait, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Self Magazine Team Up to Find 25 Individuals Making Strides in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
Yoplait(R), the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and SELF magazine today announced the launch of the third Yoplait Champions program, a nationwide search for up to 25 ordinary individuals doing extraordinary things in the fight against breast cancer.
Between September 18 and November 6, individuals can visit www.yoplait.com to nominate a friend, family member, neighbor, co-worker or themselves for the opportunity to be selected as one of up to 25 Yoplait Champions. Yoplait will donate $1,000, on behalf of each Champion, to the charity of each Champion’s choice, totaling up to $25,000.
Champions must demonstrate a strong and sustained commitment to the breast cancer cause, including personal sacrifice, and have had an impact on others’ lives or the community. Nominations will consist of a 1,000-word or less description of how the nominee embodies a champion. Essays must illustrate a creative and innovative concept the nominee has put forth that furthers the goals of fighting breast cancer, as well as identify changes that have been made as a result of the individual’s activities. An exclusive special section in the October 2006 issue of SELF features a call-to-action inviting nominations. Winners will be profiled in the May 2007 issue of the magazine.
“The Yoplait Champions are passionate individuals who are making a difference in the lives of many affected by breast cancer in their local communities,” said Camille Gibson, vice president of Yoplait. “We want to recognize these men and women for their passion and commitment to the cause. Together we can continue the fight against breast cancer through the wonderful programs each champion has developed.”
The 2006 Yoplait Champions hailed from 17 different states with various ties to the cause. They included breast cancer patients, survivors, advocates, as well as sons, daughters, mothers and nieces of those touched by the disease. Many of the Champions honored were involved in innovative breast cancer organizations and programs that reach out to the underserved African-American, Hispanic/Latina and Native American communities. Some focused their time solely on educating young women and others have used art to raise awareness about breast cancer.
Last March, the 2006 Yoplait Champions had the opportunity to get together in New York City where they were recognized for their fight against breast cancer. The Champions shared their stories, learned from one another and created lifelong friendships.
The search for the 2007 Yoplait Champions will kick off this fall in tandem with the company’s signature Save Lids to Save Lives(R) program. Yoplait is giving consumers a chance to be an everyday champion by helping Yoplait raise up to $1.5 million for the fight against breast cancer.
Now in its ninth year, the Save Lids to Save Lives program is a way for ordinary men and women across the country to be Champions in their own communities. In September and October, special pink lids will top Yoplait yogurt cups, and for every lid saved and mailed in through December 31, 2006, Yoplait will donate 10 cents to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, up to $1.5 million with a guaranteed minimum donation of $500,000.
For more information on the search for Yoplait Champions, please visit www.yoplait.com or contact yoplaitchampions@coneinc.com or 1-866-903-8699 with any questions.
About Yoplait
For more than 18 years, Yoplait has been committed to raising awareness of women’s issues, including breast cancer, heart health, osteoporosis prevention and fitness. With the attainment of this year’s goals and the fulfillment of this year’s commitment, Yoplait, its parent company General Mills and its Foundation have donated more than $15.5 million to the breast cancer cause over the past seven years. In addition to the Save Lids to Save Lives campaign, Yoplait is a member of the Komen Foundation’s Million-Dollar Council and is the National Series Presenting Sponsor of the Komen Race for the Cure(R), the largest series of 5K run and fitness walks in the world. Visit www.yoplait.com to get involved in the Save Lids to Save Lives program.
About the Komen Foundation
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Today, the Foundation is an international organization with a network of more than 75,000 volunteers working through local Affiliates and events like the Komen Race for the Cure(R) to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. A global leader in the fight against breast cancer, the Foundation fulfills its mission through support of innovative breast cancer research grants, meritorious awards and educational, scientific and community outreach programs around the world. Through fiscal year 2005, the Komen Foundation, together with its Affiliate Network, corporate partners and generous donors, has invested $630 million in breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment programs.
For information about breast cancer and breast health, visit the Komen Foundation’s award-winning Web site at www.komen.org or call the Foundation’s National Toll-Free Breast Care Helpline at 1.800 I’M AWARE(R) (1.800.462.9273).
About SELF Magazine
SELF Magazine is the preeminent healthy lifestyle magazine for women, incorporating health and beauty, fitness and nutrition, and happiness and personal style all in one package. SELF is the creator of the Pink Ribbon and has long been dedicated to the issues of women’s health and breast cancer awareness. More than 5.4 million readers turn to SELF each month. SELF is published by the Conde Nast Publications. For more information, log on to www.Self.com.