Panera's Pink Ribbon Bagel Raises Money for Breast Cancer

This October, the signature Pink Ribbon Bagel® will be sold at all of Panera Bread’s approximately 1,500 bakery-cafes, with a portion of the proceeds from each bagel sold going to a variety of breast cancer causes throughout the country. 

A staple each October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, donations from the sale of the Pink Ribbon Bagel have now raised more than $1 million for breast cancer charities and Panera Bread and its franchisees hope to make 2011 the largest year for donations ever. 

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month this October, and in other locations across the country will donate a portion of the earnings from its "Pink Ribbon Bagel" sales to various breast cancer organizations.

In this area, proceeds will go to the Center for Young Women’s Health at Children’s Hospital Boston, South Shore Hospital, and the UMass Memorial Comprehensive Breast Center. At least 10 cents will be donated for each bagel purchased.

The bagels are formed into the shape of the pink ribbon, representing breast cancer awareness. They're made with cherry chips, dried cranberries and cherries, vanilla, honey and brown sugar.

The idea for the Pink Ribbon Bagel came about in 2001 when Panera franchise owner and survivor Sue Stees wanted to create something that would help other people suffering from breast cancer, according to a statement. She sold $27,000 in her 18 stores in the first year.

There are about 1,493 Panera's nationwide.