An estimated 232,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer in U.S. women (and 2,360 in men) are expected in 2014, and more than 2.8 million U.S. women have a history of the disease, according to BreastCancer.org. The number of families affected by breast cancer is devastating -- and it's roused pubic groups to take action by raising funds, support and awareness.
In addition to athletes and celebrities who contribute to the cause and sport a pink ribbon during Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, national banks and local credit unions are rallying the attention of their communities in support of breast cancer awareness. Here's a list of of the financial institutions who are going the extra mile to keep their customers knowledgeable about the disease.
Related: How to Raise Money for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Banks and Credit Unions That Support Breast Cancer Awareness
1. Bank of America
As one of the largest commercial banks in the nation, Bank of America, shows its support for those afflicted with breast cancer through its Pink Ribbon Credit Card and Checking account. Not only can BofA customers spread awareness about the disease by using the Pink Ribbon-branded cards, but even just opening an account and making purchases can help raise funds for a disease that affects millions of people.
The Pink Ribbon Credit Card forwards $3 to Susan G. Komen when the card is activated within 90 days of opening the account -- at no cost to the cardholder. Additionally, Bank of America donates 0.20 percent of all purchases made on the card and an extra $1 with each annual renewal of the credit card account.
Customers who want to support the cause without opening a new credit card can do so through pink ribbon debit cards and printed checks with the Susan G. Komen logo. With each new account opened, BofA makes a contribution to support breast cancer awareness.
"Breast cancer has touched many of us in some way -- family members, co-workers and friends -- and Bank of America is proud to support Susan G. Komen through sponsorships and with our Pink Ribbon Banking products," said Betty Riess, spokesperson for Bank of America. "This partnership also resonates with our employees, as each year, thousands of our teammates across the country participate in and volunteer for walks to raise awareness and find a cure."
2. Guaranty Bank
Guaranty Bank customers can sign up for an enhanced Pink Visa debit card to show their ongoing support for those affected by breast cancer. The institution donates funds to its local breast cancer non-profit, the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks. Every signature-based purchase using Guaranty Bank's Pink Visa card forwards a contribution to the foundation that adds up as participation mounts.
As of 2012, the bank had donated more than $,000 to the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks through its community partnership card.
"Guaranty Bank’s Pink Visa debit card benefits the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, a local organization that provides financial assistance for those in treatment, emotional support and mentoring, a free screening mammogram program, and much more," said Carter Peters, EVP and chief financial officer of the institution. "The Pink debit card offers the bank’s customers a way to show support for loved ones, friends and families who are impacted by breast cancer. The program exemplifies the role of a community bank -- to connect, support and partner with customers and local organizations to benefit the area the bank serves."
3. Rocky Mountain Bank
Other banks also see the benefits of offering a Pink Ribbon Debit Card as a vehicle to support the breast cancer cause. Rocky Mountain Bank partnered with the Kalispell Regional Healthcare Foundation to give customers an opportunity to support cancer prevention and awareness with each card purchase.
"The Pink Ribbon Debit Card is free and available with all Rocky Mountain Bank personal checking accounts," said Rocky Mountain Bank’s Retail Bank Manager Jeff Fuller in a press release. "Each time a customer swipes their card to make a purchase, the bank makes a 2.5 cent contribution to the hospitals' efforts for early detection of breast cancer."
In April 2014, the bank handed over a check for $4,411.28 for the foundation's "Save a Sister" program, which provides educational resources, outreach events and funds to the local community.
4. ACE Cash Express
Although not a conventional financial institution, ACE Cash Express has raised funds and awareness among its customers with its Pink ACE Elite Visa Prepaid Debit Card. The prepaid card contributes a percentage of every purchase made to various breast cancer charities.
"ACE Cash Express is committed to partnering with organizations that are important to our customers and our associates," said ACE president and CEO Jay Shipowitz in a press release. "By providing this card to our customers, we are not only offering them a way to manage their finances, but also a way to contribute in the fight against breast cancer."
Additionally, proceeds from pink ribbon magnets sold throughout ACE Cash locations, and its partnership with NetSpend Corporation, helped the company contribute $502,225.67 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in 2010.
5. Valley National Bank
Some financial institutions demonstrate their activism through community participation of a different form. Valley National Bank is hosting its sixth annual breast cancer walk, Valley Goes Pink!, Saturday, Oct.18 in Wayne, N.J.
"Taking a stand against breast cancer has become a passionate cause at Valley," said Marc J. Piro, first vice president of marketing and marketing products manager at Valley National Bank. "We are proud to join with the local communities we serve to honor the millions of lives affected by breast cancer and raise money for meaningful research. The generosity and support from our staff and clients is truly astounding. Every dollar that we raise is a meaningful contribution in the fight against cancer."
All funds raised during the event will go to the Cure Breast Cancer Foundation. Valley National Bank has raised about $500,000 in the last five years to support this cause.
6. Farmers & Merchants Bank
Farmers & Merchants Bank helped sponsor the Team Spirit Long Beach Breast & Ovarian Cancer 5K and 10K walks Sept. 27, 2014 in Long Beach, Calif. The event, currently in its 15th year, encourages participants to walk or run to support the MemorialCare Breast Center's MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute. The center is known for providing programs, education and counseling to individuals and families coping with breast cancer.
"Breast cancer and ovarian cancer affect thousands each year in Long Beach, and the women diagnosed in our community need our support," said Christine Walker-Bowman, first vice president of Farmers & Merchants Bank, in a press release. "They are our mothers, wives, sisters, friends, colleagues, neighbors and customers and their plight is real -- right here in our backyard."
7. Municipal Credit Union
Staff at Municipal Credit Union are literally making strides against the disease by participating in the American Cancer Society's "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk. As a corporate sponsor of this event, the credit union has raised a significant amount in support of breast cancer research, exceeding its yearly $10,000 fundraising goal with donations from its members, employees and corporate offices.
"Breast cancer awareness is an important issue for many of our members and throughout the communities that we serve," said MCU assistant vice president of public relations Mike Mattone in a press release. "We are honored to show our continued support for the cause, and hope that this support helps provide needed treatment and care for individuals and families in need."
8. NB&T
Customers who opened a new checking account with NB&T received a pink collector's cupcake pin to celebrate the milestones of cancer patients during its Sweet Moments campaign. The bank also delivered weekly cupcakes to the KishHealth Cancer Centers in DeKalb, Ill., and will make a $2,500 donation during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
9. Dannemora Federal Credit Union
Dannemora Federal Credit Union is hosting its Girls' Night Out event Oct. 14, with a comedy show and musical entertainment lined up. The event, which was created to raise breast cancer awareness, is $15 to attend; tickets can be purchased at any DFCU branch. The credit union will also present the 2014 Boobie Prize, an annual award that recognizes a community member who has made significant accomplishments in the breast cancer support community.
The institution will also be selling pink drawstring bags with the pink breast cancer ribbon for $5 during the entire month of October. All proceeds will benefit Treasure Chests, an organization comprised of breast cancer survivors that provides educational information and events for newly diagnosed patients.
Finally, Dannemora Federal Credit Union will hold its monthly jean day. Employees of the credit union pay $5 to wear jeans for the day, the credit union's board of directors matches all contributions and funds are directed to the cause.
"Breast cancer has touched so many of our members in one way or another," DFCU marketing specialist Lisa LaFountain said. "It was important for DFCU to become a supporter of Girls' Night Out because it is an amazing event that brings women together in our community for a night of laughter while creating awareness. And raising money in branches is how we support those currently fighting breast cancer."
10. TD Bank
TD Bank is running its Passionately Pink campaign during the month of October to raise awareness and support, and educate its employees and customers about breast cancer. Pink activities include enacting a "Pink Fridays" dress code throughout its branches and washing branded merchandise pink, such as TD Bank's infamous lollipops. At a grander level, the bank participates in various breast cancer walks, webinars, fundraisers and support forums that help patients and families get through the disease together.
"Breast cancer has touched the lives of so many of our employees and customers, and TD's Passionately Pink campaign helps to raise awareness about the disease while promoting overall health and wellness," said Linda Verba, EVP and head of service strategy at TD Bank. "It's much more than just wearing a color to support a cause. At TD, Passionately Pink is about being a symbol of hope."
11. Associated Bank
Associated Bank helped fund a new mobile mammography unit at the Marshfield Clinic with a $250,000 donation in 2012; the unit offers early detection services to more than 10,000 Wisconsin women yearly. The bank is also partnering with Marshfield Clinic, Christian Faith Fellowship Church, Columbia St. Mary's Hospital and Wisconsin Well Women's Program to offer mammograms to Milwaukee individuals in low-to-moderate income brackets; uninsured, underinsured and insured women are welcome to the Health Wellness Fair Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Christian Faith Fellowship Church to receive these services. Appointments should be made ahead of time by calling 715-221-6086.
“Associated Bank truly believes in helping to meet the needs in the communities where we live and work,” said Mary Wilkosz, corporate social responsibility manager at Associated Bank. “In conjunction with the Marshfield Clinic mobile mammography unit, we’re proud to partner with these Milwaukee organizations to reach women that may not otherwise have access to mammograms.”
Photo credit: theSuperStar