Articles
Project Pink
Hello Everyone, I would like to take a moment of your time and introduce an exciting new 501(c)3 to the pink ribbon world –
Project Pink, Inc! I am thrilled to share this news with each of you. Background
Project Pink, Inc was founded in February 2011 and applied for its 501(c)3 status the same month. Five weeks later we received our IRS designation letter – it was meant to be! Our Board of Directors consists of a fantastic and diverse group of individuals: a medical oncologist as the President along with a sponsorship expert, an insurance guru, and a financial director. Each is contributing financially and working alongside of me to further our mission.
Our foundation will be governed by policies and procedures in all aspects. In accordance with both Virginia law and our Board of Directors, PPI will have a full audit once per year. As we realize that public trust is essential to our success, we pledge to make our financial information readily available on the home page of our website. Our goal is to make Project Pink, Inc a hallmark of integrity and transparency in the non-profit sector. Additionally, you can expect to soon see a complete list of guidelines for different events and programs which will help you to streamline your events and unify our brand message.
The Mission
Our mission is threefold: to grant wishes to those living with Stage IV breast cancer, provide college scholarships to children who have lost a parent to breast cancer, and to educate young women about breast health for the purpose of preventing metastatic disease.
The foundation's core values are Integrity, Honesty, Accountability and Transparency. PPI is committed to earning the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance's Seal of Accountability. All programs, policies and procedures will meet standards set by the BBB. You will be able to see our progress on our website.
The Vision
Project Pink, Inc is a for-impact nonprofit that is dedicated to giving joy, opening minds, changing lives, and ultimately saving lives. By defining new ways that young women can get excited about breast health, PPI promises to deliver a message which is both informative and fun.
Project Pink, Inc will reach beyond "pink ribbon overload" to encourage pro-activity; empowering women of all ages to protect their personal health by providing easy-to-read, understandable information about internal and external factors that can lower the risk of developing breast cancer.
In the broad sphere of non-profits, we seek to take our place as the major breast cancer education resource for young women, by underscoring the importance of self-exams and early detection – and fighting the disease with sound and simple life-saving advice.
Project Joy! Wish Granting Program
For those women already battling the disease, PPI's Project Joy! program will give women living with stage IV breast cancer an opportunity to rest, relax, and rejuvenate during a special event planned just for them. Whether a spa date with a best friend, a long weekend with a spouse, or a much needed family vacation, Project Joy! will give these ladies a chance to catch their breath and enjoy a moment of special importance for themselves and their loved ones. Our goal is to grant 6 Joy! events for the remainder of 2011. We will strive to grant one Joy! event each week in 2012.
Scholarships
This program will debut in 2012 and will provide educational assistance to children who have lost a parent to breast cancer. Scholarships will be awarded to assist with expenses related to college, university and vocational school education.
Education
Our "Grab the Girls™" campaign will target women of all ages with a memorable, early-detection message designed to provide education on effective breast health, influence behavior and ultimately save lives. Girls will be invited to join our online Community and make a Pinky Pledge™ (monthly commitment) to self- exams, which will be tracked to completion through a clever, interactive pink ribbon graphic. On and off line, GTG is intended to unite young women who will come together to bond, share their personal stories and hold each other accountable for monthly self checks.
Through a series of wedding gown sales and other bridal marketing opportunities, our goal is to attract 5,000 brides and bridesmaids to sign into the PINK Community by the end of 2011. Currently, 11 million women in the 22-29 age groups are involved in the wedding planning process. Our educational materials will be accessible during all events.
Fundraising
Project Pink, Inc is preparing to launch an ambitious Corporate Outreach Program to solicit sponsorships starting with companies allied to promoting breast cancer awareness.
At the same time, the foundation will actively seek support from pharmaceutical companies to supply printed collaterals and/or funds for breast forms, shower cards and teaching aids to be distributed widely at all events in which the foundation is involved.
Promotional items (i.e. "Grab the Girls" shirts) created for each target audience will be sold at all related events and on the Project Pink, Inc website throughout the year. Each item will "make a point," tied in with a specific aspect of our education/ awareness effort.
We plan to host Charity Wedding Gown Sales along the East Coast throughout the year. We rely on these fundraising events to help spread the word about our mission and continue to reach young women during this special time as they say "I Do" to breast health.
Other fundraising events are in development. We welcome your thoughts and ideas – we can only be successful with the help and participation of our valued volunteers and supporters!
**We are currently scheduling gown sales through 2011 and the spring of 2012**
Our 50% Promise for 2011
We pledge to commit no less than 50% of all money raised to fulfilling our mission of granting Joy! for patients living with stage IV breast cancer, providing scholarships, and promoting breast health through education. We aim to set the standard for accountability and transparency in all of our operations. You can feel good knowing your efforts are going towards the mission and we can all be proud to say the money is being used towards the mission!
Website
Project Pink, Inc's website is scheduled to launch on or around June 1, 2011. Its development has been very exciting and we believe it will do a wonderful job of representing our values and conveying our important message about breast health. We have designed this site with you in mind. Coordinators will have a place to login, download necessary event related information, order marketing materials, and consult our policies and guidelines. Additionally you will have access to an online forum where you can share your ideas, ask questions, or just chat with others! We are pleased that everything will be handled in house – i.e. registrations and ticket sales – so no third party website will be required. You will have everything you need at your fingertips!
What you can do?
Join the PINK movement and support a cause that touches everyone. Project Pink, Inc is looking for women and men to help spread the word throughout the community about the importance of good breast health. We welcome and need your help! Here are just a few ways you can help make an immediate difference:
*Charity Wedding Gown Sales Host this fundraising event in your city! These sales are effective fundraising tools and a wonderful way to showcase local venues, vendors and wedding planners to dozens of brides-to-be.*Girls Night Out Host a night for the girls to gather and make a commitment to PINK.
*Pink Lemonade Stand Summer is coming and this is a great way to get younger children involved.
*Social Media Post on your social media sites about Project Pink, Inc and help others join the community.
*Business website If you have a website, email me for our logo & promote your commitment to PPI.
*Just have fun! Turn any event into a PINK party! Share your creative ideas with us.
We hope you will join us in our endeavor and support what Project Pink, Inc. promises. You can identify with the breast cancer cause and make a significant difference in the lives of families in crisis without getting lost in the pink-ribbon crowd. We at Project Pink, Inc believe in making a difference where a difference can be made. Once the website is up and running, I encourage you to browse through it and get involved! There are so many ways you can help make this a huge success. Get your PINK on today and join the community! If you have any questions or would like to schedule a fundraising event or just have a great idea to share, please feel free to contact me via email Allison@projectpinkinc.org or phone 1.855.PINK.INC (746.5462).
All the best, Allison Caudle
Founder, Project Pink, Inc.
1.855.PINK.INC
www.ProjectPinkInc.org
Facebook: ProjectPinkInc
Twitter: projectpinkinc




















