Company: The Keep A Breast Foundation, Los Angeles, CA
Entry Submitted By: Zenzi Communications
Company Description: The Keep A Breast Foundation is a global non-profit organization dedicatedto helping eradicate breast cancer by exposing young people tomethods of prevention, early detection and support. Through artevents, educational programs and fundraising efforts, we seek toincrease breast cancer awareness among young people so they are betterequipped to make choices that benefit their long-term health.
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Company of the Year - Non-Profit or Government Organizations

Nomination Title: The Keep A Breast Foundation

Tell the story about what this nominated organization achieved since January 1 2011 (up to 500 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms. Be sure to mention obstacles overcome, innovations or discoveries made, and outcomes:

Since its launch in 2000, The Keep A Breast Foundation (KAB), the leading youth-focused, global, breast cancer awareness nonprofit, has defied convention with its use of art to raise funds and awareness and deliberate use of modern communication tactics. As a result, it’s made impressive inroads among women under 25, a constituency often overlooked by the “pink ribbon” establishment. “We’ve been able to change the landscape of youth awareness about breast cancer because of our creative approach,” says Shaney Jo Darden, co-founder and CEO.

2011 marked another consecutive year where incoming revenues from contributions, grants and donations allowed KAB to expand international awareness programs and award a diverse roster of grants to Germany, Japan, Canada, France and the U.K.

KAB continues to eradicate breast cancer by empowering young people with methods of prevention and early detection, open support networks and information on environmental links to cancer.

2011 was a year of note for one of our already high-profile education & outreach programs, the KAB Traveling Education Booth (TEB). The booth was integrated into our first-ever Keep A Breast Tour, which was headlined by Uh Huh Her and visited across the country. Each show featured a local breast cancer survivor guest speaker, who shared their experiences and introduced fans to the customized TEB.

Keep A Breast had an unprecedented TEB tour schedule and was able to reach tens of thousands of visitors at events such as Country Throwdown, Vans Warped Tour and Honda Civic Tour with Blink-182.

The prominence of the TEB program was not the only 2011 standout among outreach campaigns. KAB also expanded its Treasured Chest program, which combines art and therapy to support breast cancer survivors. Not surprisingly, it remains one the most emotionally charged and successful of KAB’s programs. 2011 saw new participants from San Diego to Japan take part in the program, and KAB solidified its presence with more events and trained breast casters.

In April 2011 KAB launched the Non-Toxic Revolution (NTR). NTR’s mission is to inform, educate, and inspire young people to revolt against the dangers of toxic chemicals in their environment and food supply, especially those linked to breast cancer. NTR focuses on prevention as a means to maintain long-term health. NTR kicked-off with a resource website (www.kabntr.org ) and a 3-month road trip. Other key accomplishments for NTR include over 21,000 views of the PSA, 8,000 fans on Facebook, over 1,500 Twitter followers and $25,000 raised through cause merchandise and donations.

2011 marked the first year of a partnership with a 3rd party entity to produce and distribute cause merchandise. This licensing and royalty-return agreement resulted in $4 million in royalties directed back to Keep A Breast. Strategic collaborations with OBEY Clothing, Mystery Skateboards, and Pony, Inc. resulted in $83k of contributions.

KAB established its own series of independent grant opportunities and was proud to award grants to seven organizations in 2011, totaling $150K in funds. These grants were developed to support research related to breast cancer prevention, early detection and causes.

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Provide a brief (up to 100 words) biography about the leader of this nominated organization:

Shaney jo Darden started The Keep A Breast Foundation (KAB) to bring a fresh approach to fundraising for breast cancer that is relevant and inspiring to today’s youth. Shaney jo has lead KAB to be the leading youth-focused breast cancer awareness non-profit globally. She has traveled the globe raising awareness and funds for breast cancer prevention and is passionate about providing today’s youth with the tools they need to educate and empower themselves. Yoplait, as one of their champions in 2006, honored Shaney jo and she most recently received the 2011 SIMA Humanitarian of the Year Award.