An employee at Ford\u2019s Garage holds one of the Pink Fund T-shirts available this month.<\/p>\n
PROVIDED<\/p>\n
The community once again can show support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month by purchasing a limited-edition Pink Fund T-shirt at any Ford\u2019s Garage location.<\/p>\n
The partnership between Pink Fund and Ford\u2019s Garage\u00a0began in 2019\u00a0 and has raised more than $50,000 with all proceeds of the T-shirt sales going directly to Pink Fund.\u00a0<\/p>\n
These funds have helped patients who are receiving treatments with essential living expenses, so they can focus on what matters \u2013 recovery \u2013 instead of bills, organizers said.<\/p>\n
This initiative is part of Ford\u2019s Garage larger Warriors in Pink Program, which is a long-standing commitment to supporting those affected by breast cancer.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe financial burden of breast cancer treatment can be devastating,\u201d said Molly MacDonald, co-founder and CEO of Pink Fund, in a prepared statement. \u201cThe generosity of Ford\u2019s Garage ensures we can continue providing real relief to patients, so they can focus on recovery and their families during one of the most difficult times in their lives. The continued partnership is even more impactful this year, as we\u2019ve seen a 55% increase in requests for financial assistance from breast cancer patients.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pink Fund, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 2006 and has provided more than $10 million in financial relief to breast cancer survivors.<\/p>\n
Ford\u2019s Garage Vice President of Marketing Anton Botosan said 32 of their restaurants, in eight states, are participating in this successful and powerful fundraiser that they hope to carry on for many more years.<\/p>\n
\u201cFord\u2019s Garage was looking for the right partner in the breast cancer space \u2013 really making an impact locally and beyond all over the country,\u201d he said. \u201cWe have done a T-shirt fundraiser every year to raise funds throughout the month of October.\u201d<\/p>\n
Botosan said people are in need of help to make a car payment, mortgage payment and utility payment. The funds raised, he said, will help them by not making that choice of either going to treatment, or missing a payment.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know it makes an impact. There is plenty more impact to be made. To be on a mission with them, alongside them as a partner, is truly a gift,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The limited-edition T-shirts have been purchased by patrons, as well as staff members to support the cause in the past, as everyone in one way, shape or form has been touched by breast cancer. <\/p>\n
Botosan said it\u2019s amazing how many people who work in the restaurants wear the shirt all month long.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey get to show off their shirt and talk about the cause,\u201d he said. \u201cWe are glad people in the restaurant are excited to participate. It\u2019s much more special when the entire team comes together to support the cause.\u201d<\/p>\n
The shirts garner conversations, Botosan said, as people appreciate sharing, especially for those who have gone through it, or a caretaker sharing their experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe shirt itself opens that door to talk about someone they know has gone through breast cancer and treatment,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Ford\u2019s Garage in Cape Coral is at 1719 Cape Coral Parkway, E. Call (239) 540-3673 or visit https:\/\/fordsgarageusa.com\/locations\/cape-coral\/.<\/p>\n