'Breast Cancer One' Employee Survivor Flight Kicks Off Fundraising And Awareness Activities In Atlanta, New York

Delta Airlines' Eighth annual "Breast Cancer One" employee survivor charter took flight for the fight Thursday in advance of Delta's October fundraising efforts benefiting The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. In memory of BCRF Founder Evelyn Lauder, Delta's Boeing 767-400 signature 'pink plane' was dedicated at New York's LaGuardia airport in a presentation attended by her husband, Leonard Lauder, BCRF Acting Chairman and Chairman Emeritus of The Estee Lauder Companies, as well as BCRF staff.

"Delta's distinctive pink plane first took flight in 2005 and has flown around the world to highlight and help raise awareness and funds for lifesaving research efforts," said Joanne Smith, senior vice president – In-Flight Service. "This year, we dedicate our pink plane to the memory of BCRF founder Evelyn Lauder. We continue to be inspired by her tireless commitment and determination in the fight to find a cure for breast cancer."

The pink plane was painted with a welcome message: "Thank You Delta Customers and Employees. Together We Have Raised $5 Million For the Fight Against Breast Cancer."

"The Breast Cancer Research Foundation has found it so rewarding to work with Delta because they set the bar high and share our commitment to stopping this terrible disease," said Myra Biblowit, President, BCRF. "Together, Evelyn and I led the Foundation from a small US-based organization to a dominant global funder of research that has raised over $380 million since its inception in 1993. Our progress to date is only possible thanks to the support of special partners like Delta Air Lines, its customers and its employees. Dedicating the pink plane to Evelyn in response to her dream to live in a world free of breast cancer is, by far, a unique expression that continues to reflect your committed support of BCRF's mission."

Delta's pink plane flew from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to New York's LaGuardia Airport with more than 140 employee cancer survivors from 19 different departments in 35 locations around the world.

In addition to the pink plane, throughout October Delta's administrative building at its general offices will be illuminated in pink lighting in support of BCRF. Delta employees also will wear pink uniforms and sell pink products including pink lemonade and pink headsets onboard and in Delta Sky Clubs to raise awareness and support for breast cancer research. All proceeds benefit BCRF.

Delta also will donate $1 to BCRF for the first 50,000 new "Likes" on the Delta Facebook page during October. New and current fans will be able to download a customized Delta Facebook cover and profile image, highlighting their contribution to the cause.

Delta began its partnership with BCRF in 2005. Since then, employees and customers have raised more than $5 million and contributed to 18 fully funded research grants worldwide.

FMI: www.bcrfcure.org, www.delta.com