Tips for Today: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know that 1 in 8 women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime? Or, that over 230,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year alone? For these reasons (and more), Breast Cancer Awareness month (recognized annually in October) is so important. This national campaign (sponsored by various organizations and non-profits) raises money to provide hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services.
As has become customary, many major brands are offering limited-edition products this month to raise money for breast cancer research or other organizations that support those who have been affected by breast cancer. For example, Panera Bread is bringing back their Pink Ribbon Bagels for the month of October, and 100% of the proceeds from sales of the Pink Ribbon Bagels on October 1 went to the fight against breast cancer. For the rest of the month, Panera will donate a portion of proceeds from the sales of the bagels to the fight against breast cancer.
Another great example: Bareburger, an organic and all-natural burger joint, created a limited-edition pink milkshake for the month of October. For every milkshake sold, they donated $3 to the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
As a small business, creating a line of limited edition products to raise money for a certain cause might not be cost-effective for you. But, there are other ways you can raise money for breast cancer, or any other cause that is close to your heart. Most of these tactics won’t require you to disrupt your daily routine:
- Donate a day of profits
- Donate a week of profits
- Donate a month of profits
- With your employees’ consent and willingness to participate, donate their tips for the day or night (this works well in coffeehouse or bar scenario)
- Donate a portion of all sales from one night
- Offer to match any customer or employee cash donations
- Host a special event and sell raffle tickets for donated items
- Donate a portion of proceeds from the sale of any pink items, baked goods, etc.
When donating tips to charity, it’s important to only let your customers know that you’ve donated their tips after the fact. You don’t want to be seen as soliciting extra tips for a cause! We thought that Breast Cancer Awareness Month was the perfect time to share these fundraising tactics, but they are applicable year round, and for any/all causes!
Is your small business raising money for any charities or organizations this year? How do you make a difference?
Note: Before you begin, it’s important to double-check that, legally, you are allowed to ask your customers or other patrons of your business for cash donations. Check out www.multistatefiling.org to view the state-by-state index of regulations. When in doubt, contact your local chamber of commerce or small business development office – they should be able to help you get some answers.
