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Local Voices

Panera Bread Raised Over $12,000 for Connecticut Sports Foundation with the "I Love Mom" Fundraiser to Support Women Battling Cancer

Panera Bread’s debut “I LOVE MOM” campaign raised a total of $12,270.63 in donations for the Connecticut Sports Foundation.  The campaign took place from Monday, April 21 through Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11 at 16 Panera Bread bakery-cafe locations in Connecticut owned and operated by the Howley Bread Group.  Guests who visited Panera locations in Hartford, Tolland and New London Counties were invited to make a donation of $1 or more and received an “I LOVE MOM” wristband to show their support.  Funds will support local women and families battling cancer to help pay mortgage/rent, car payments and other household bills.

 

The check was presented at the Waterford Panera Bread before a planning meeting for the next big fundraising event, Spook-a-thon. This family-friendly Halloween event will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at Dodd Stadium in Norwich and will benefit the Connecticut Sports Foundation and Backus Hospital to help families with cancer. 

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“The ‘I LOVE MOM’ campaign was a great way to celebrate the moms in our lives while supporting Connecticut women battling cancer,” said Wendy Kopp, Panera Bread/HBG Director of Marketing.  “Panera Bread has been a sponsor of the Connecticut Sports Foundation since 2009, helping families in need in our communities,” Kopp added.

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“Two out of three applications received by the Connecticut Sports Foundation for assistance are from women with cancer.  Over the years, our valued partnership with Panera Bread has helped make it possible to help thousands of moms, wives, sisters and daughters with daily living expenses, allowing them to focus on recovery,” said CSF Executive Director Jane Ellis.  Panera Bread/HBG has a very giving heart and we are extremely grateful for their continued generosity,” Ellis added.

 

Founded in 1987, the Connecticut Sports Foundation (CSF) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to financially assist Connecticut cancer patients and their families, as well as to fund cancer research.  Patients are referred to CSF via a network of oncology social workers at Connecticut hospitals and cancer centers. Resources are provided with dignity and privacy, helping patients maintain self-respect, while lessening the stress that may inhibit their recovery.

 

Panera Bread’s mission is to offer high-quality food in an inviting and comfortable environment, while making a difference in the communities it serves. The company carries out its purpose-driven philosophy to “Live Consciously” by participating in charitable events and by donating all unsold bread and baked goods at the end of each day to local hunger-relief agencies and charities through its “Day-End Dough-Nation” program.  Over the past 10 years, with their customers’ support, Panera Bread/HBG has donated over $7 million in food and funds to local charities within its communities. Panera Bread/HBG also has a Donations Department where organizations can request food donations for various non-profit fundraisers and events.  Please visit www.panerabreadhbg.com and click on “Donations, Partnerships and Charities” to request a donation.

 

Panera Bread/Howley Bread Group owns and operates a total of 28 bakery-cafes in the Rhode Island, Southeastern Massachusetts and Eastern Connecticut markets.  The company’s bakery-cafes in Connecticut are located in Bristol, Canton, Enfield, Farmington, Glastonbury, Groton, Hartford, Foxwoods Resort & Casino, Lisbon, Manchester (two locations at the Shoppes at Buckland Hills and at 179 Deming Street), Newington, Southington, Waterford, West Hartford and Wethersfield. Panera caters and delivers, too; visit www.paneracatering.com for a list of catering cafes.
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