Breast Cancer Groups Critical Of Donations From Alcohol Companies

Breast cancer fundraising campaigns by alcohol companies are drawing criticism from some breast cancer advocacy groups and survivors, who argue that it is inappropriate to use a product that can increase the risk of developing breast cancer to raise money for research, USA Today reports. The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute say that even moderate drinking can increase the risk of breast cancer.

Dwight Burlingame, associate executive director of the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy, said most cause-related marketing campaigns are not about philanthropy, adding, "These businesses are promoting their product."

According to USA Today, Mike's Hard Lemonade has donated $500,000 since 2008 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Company President and CEO Phil O'Neil said the donations "are not tied to sales" but are meant to honor an employee who died of breast cancer. Anna DeLuca, a spokesperson for the foundation, said the group appreciates the donation but "in no way, shape or form endorses the consumption of alcohol." DeLuca added that the donation "does not constitute a partnership."

The Pink Your Drink campaign by Chambord -- which markets pink vodka and liqueurs -- has raised more than $50,000 for the Breast Cancer Network of Strength and other groups. However, Cindy Geoghegan, interim CEO for the network, said it will no longer accept donations from alcohol companies (Szabo, USA Today, 10/5).


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