Sep. 30, 2009 (Business Wire) -- The Hershey Company is kicking off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the fifth annual Hershey’s® Tour de Pink – a four-day, 220-mile bike ride benefiting the Young Survival Coalition (YSC). On October 2, more than 170 breast cancer survivors and supporters will pedal from Hershey, Pa., to New York City, raising funds and awareness for YSC – the premier international organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women and breast cancer. In addition, special edition Hershey’s Bliss® Chocolate featuring pink ribbon wrappers are now available nationwide. Hershey’s also is honoring young survivors by featuring five women and their survivor stories on displays at participating retailers and on www.hersheyspledge.com.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Hershey Company will donate $300,000 to YSC, raising awareness for breast cancer and funding critical programming and education.
Fifth Annual Hershey’s Tour de Pink
For the fifth consecutive year, The Hershey Company invited consumers to show their support for the Young Survival Coalition by taking part in the Hershey’s Tour de Pink four-day ride. The 220-mile bike ride kicks off Friday, October 2, in Hershey, Pa., with finish line ceremonies taking place in New York City on Monday, October 5. Consumers across the country also had the chance to get involved by joining the Hershey’s Tour de Pink Virtual Charity Ride. The Virtual Ride challenged consumers to pedal 220 miles in their own community, logging efforts and raising funds for the YSC online.
Pink Pride: Hershey’s Bliss Chocolate Limited-Edition Pink Product
For the first time since its April 2008 launch, limited-edition Hershey’s Bliss Chocolate will feature pink ribbon wrappers and packaging in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is now available at mass, grocery and specialty retailers. In addition, in-store displays at participating retailers will feature breast cancer survivors affiliated with YSC.
Stories of Survival
Hershey’s Bliss Chocolate also is honoring and supporting breast cancer survivors by profiling the stories of five women who battled the disease. All diagnosed under the age of 40, these women have shared their courageous, inspirational stories of breast cancer survival through personal video testimonials, photos and blogs. Their stories were chronicled on www.hersheyspledge.com throughout September as they trained for the Hershey’s Tour de Pink. Consumers followed along, lended support and encouragement to the women, and learned how to support the Young Survival Coalition.
“The Hershey Company is proud to support such a remarkable organization that positively impacts and changes the lives of young women faced with the emotions of dealing with breast cancer.
