Boston's Real Men Wear Pink Campaign Top in the Nation

On Thursday, November 17 at 6 p.m. at West End Johnnies in Boston, supporters will celebrate the success of the inaugural Real Men Wear Pink campaign, which more than tripled its initial goal to bring in nearly $171,000 for the American Cancer Society. Boston this year was the top promotion in the country out of 196 total Real Men Wear Pink campaigns.

Nearly 30 of Boston's distinguished male community leaders showed their true colors and they share the American Cancer Society's vision to ensure no one faces breast cancer alone. During the past two months Real Men Wear Pink candidates collected donations for the American Cancer Society as well as raised awareness in the fight against breast cancer both in live events in their professional and personal life settings and via social media. And, they were asked to wear at least one pick item, every day, all month long!

Out of 2,825 total Real Men in the country, seven Boston candidates are in the top 100. James C. Foster, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Charles River Laboratories, with $ 25,616, was the top Boston fundraiser and won the Ultimate Tesla Experience prize pack. Each candidate contributed his unique talents and reached deep into their networks to achieve this success.

Three awards will be given: "Highest Fundraiser," "Best Dressed," and "Talk of the Town." And, candidates will be asked to "pass the pink torch" and announce their nominations.

While this campaign is a fundraising initiative, it also provides strong awareness efforts in the local community for the American Cancer Society and the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer program. Since 1993, more than 12 million Making Strides Against Breast Cancer participants have helped raise more than $750 million to create a world free from the pain and suffering caused by breast cancer. The noncompetitive two- to five-mile walks are held in nearly 300 communities nationwide.

Last year, 1.4 million walkers raised more than $60 million. Dollars raised help the American Cancer Society ensure no one faces breast cancer alone by funding innovative breast cancer research, promoting education and risk reduction and providing comprehensive patient support to those who need it most.