New Brunswick, N.J.– The community reach of Panera Bread® bakery-café locations in central and northern New Jersey has resulted over the past four years in nearly $28,000 raised to support breast cancer programs at the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Cancer Institute of New Jersey. CINJ is a Center of Excellence of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
The CINJ Foundation is one of the many entities nationwide that receive contributions from the sale of Panera’s Pink Ribbon Bagel – shaped in the form of a traditional breast cancer awareness ribbon and sold during October. For every Pink Ribbon Bagel sold during this year’s campaign in the 37 Panera Bread locations in northern and central New Jersey (www.panerabread.com), 25 cents was dedicated to CINJ to support breast cancer research and patient education programs. Proceeds this year were nearly $8,000.
“The Pink Ribbon Bagel campaign will continue to help CINJ’s physician-scientists in their efforts to develop cutting-edge breast cancer treatments, identify new prevention methods, and create educational tools to reach more men and women and their families,” said Deborah L. Toppmeyer, MD, director of CINJ’s Stacy Goldstein Breast Cancer Center, and associate professor of medicine at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. “Some 6,800 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in New Jersey before the year is over. Panera’s dedication to this cause will help improve the lives of so many, and we are truly grateful,” she added.
“Panera Bread is devoted to serving the members of our local community, many of whom have had their lives touched by breast cancer,” said Panera Joint Venture Area Director Robert MacEachern. “The Cancer Institute of New Jersey has been a long-time champion of this cause, and we are honored to join them in the fight.”
The Panera Pink Ribbon Bagel follows the tradition of “thinking pink” during the month of October in the quest to eradicate breast cancer. The idea for this signature product was developed in 2001 as a way to help support the cause.
About The Cancer Institute of New Jersey
The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (www.cinj.org) is the state’s first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center dedicated to improving the detection, treatment and care of patients with cancer, and serving as an education resource for cancer prevention. CINJ’s physician-scientists engage in translational research, transforming their laboratory discoveries into clinical practice, quite literally bringing research to life. To make a tax-deductible gift to support CINJ, call 732-235-8614 or visit www.cinjfoundation.org. CINJ is a Center of Excellence of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
The CINJ Network is comprised of hospitals throughout the state and provides a mechanism to rapidly disseminate important discoveries into the community. Flagship Hospital: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Major Clinical Research Affiliate Hospitals: Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Memorial Hospital, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Overlook Hospital, Cooper University Hospital and Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Affiliate Hospitals: Bayshore Community Hospital, CentraState Healthcare System, JFK Medical Center, Mountainside Hospital, Raritan Bay Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton (CINJ at Hamilton), Somerset Medical Center, Southern Ocean County Hospital, The University Hospital/UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School*, and University Medical Center at Princeton. *Academic Affiliate
About Panera Bread
Panera Bread Company owns and franchises 1,399 bakery-cafes as of June 29, 2010 under the Panera Bread®, Saint Louis Bread Co.®, and Paradise Bakery & Café® names. With our identity rooted in handcrafted, fresh-baked, artisan bread, we are committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust. Nearly all of our bakery-cafes have a menu highlighted by antibiotic free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients, with zero grams of artificial trans fat per serving, which provide flavorful, wholesome offerings. Our menu includes a wide variety of year-round favorites, complemented by new items introduced seasonally with the goal of creating new standards in everyday food choices. In neighborhoods across this country and in Ontario, Canada, our customers enjoy our warm and welcoming environment featuring comfortable gathering areas, relaxing decor, and free internet access. Our bakery-cafes routinely donate bread and baked goods to community organizations in need. Additional information is available on the Company’s website, www.panerabread.com.