In
an effort to recognize National Breast Cancer Awareness
Month in October and to bring more awareness to the illness
that affects many women, Contours Express women's gyms joined the company's nationwide cause-related initiative "10/5 To Save Lives: National Play and Pledge Day", which invited people to help raise funds for breast cancer research. As part of the Oct. 5 event, the women's
gyms and its members round up area residents and collect
pledges for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Breast cancer is the most
frequently diagnosed cancer in women, according to the
American Cancer Society, and several reports have indicated
that exercise could, in fact, improve breast cancer survival.
Bill Helton, president of Contours Express, says that the
company is very excited to do their part in making a difference.
Centers asked gym members to set an amount they would like
to raise and collect pledges from family and friends. On
Oct. 5, members dedicated their workouts for the cause.
"The 'play' part of the National Play and Pledge Day is dedicated to the workouts, while the 'pledge' part is what our members collect for their efforts for the BCRF cause," Helton said. "Our
company's alliance with the Foundation is unique in our
industry and we want to make sure we capitalize on this
special event. We have identified ourselves with an emotional
cause and now we are demonstrating physical participation
with the direction of our Play and Pledge Day."
Funds
were previously raised by Contours Express in September
during "Bunco for Breast Cancer" games held at various
locations throughout the country. In addition, this year,
the fundraising will continue when various locations
will host Bingo games to raise money for the Foundation.
This
is not the company's first nationwide effort to raise
money for breast cancer, Helton added. Over the past few years, Contours
Express handed over more than $150,000
to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
"Overall, we want our gym members to have fun and invite others to enjoy the workouts, while being proud of their involvement in this national initiative where they are exercising to make a difference," said Helton. "Also,
we, as a business, want everyone to know that Contours
Cares and Contours Shares by exercising to make a difference."
Considering a donation
to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation?