BCFO raises money during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The Springfield nonprofit has collected the support of Panera Bread, Tanger Outlet and Brighton Jewelry – all in the name of fighting the life-threatening illness and financially supporting those affected by it.

• Panera Bread has again agreed to sell cherry-flavored “pink-ribbon bagels” at its Springfield and Branson stores. A donation of 25 cents will be made to BCFO for each bagel sold through Oct. 31.

• The Tanger Outlet Center in Branson has developed a fundraising campaign in which 25 percent of Tanger gift card purchases through Oct. 19 will be donated to BCFO through the Stanley K. Tanger Breast Cancer Fund. Additionally, for each $1 donation to the fund, shoppers will receive a 25 percent discount card to be used at participating outlet stores.

• Women’s accessories producer Brighton has created a breast cancer awareness bracelet, and the California company will donate $10 to BCFO for each $60 limited edition bracelet sold through Oct. 31. There are 12 Brighton-authorized retailers in the Springfield area, including Brighton Collectibles at Branson Landing.

BCFO is kicking off the big month with its largest annual fundraiser: Hooked on Dance, starting at 6 p.m. Friday at Bass Pro Shops’ White River Room. The organization exceeded its event sponsorship goal, with $338,815 collected from such companies as Murney Associates, presenting sponsor; Calhoun, Havens & Patterson at Merrill Lynch; Nadia Cavner Group at BancorpSouth; Reliable Superstore; St. John’s; and Youngblood Automotive Group. Springfield Business Journal is a media sponsor, along with Alice 95.5, Friend Printing and KOLR10.

The 2007 Hooked on Dance raised nearly $450,000. Donated auction items this year include tickets to the 2009 U.S. Open tennis tournament, the NASCAR Las Vegas 400 and University of Kansas vs. University of Missouri football at Arrowhead Stadium, as well as a seven-night stay on a catamaran in the Bahamas.