ANN INC. President and CEO Kay Krill is Honored with Humanitarian Award for Company's Dedicated Support of the Fight Against Breast Cancer

NEW YORK, April 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Kay Krill, President and CEO of ANN INC. (NYSE: ANN), the parent Company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, was honored for her outstanding leadership in the fight against breast cancer with the Sandra Taub Humanitarian Award from The Breast Cancer Research Foundation^® (BCRF) at the annual Hot Pink Party today in New York City. BCRF bestows its annual Humanitarian Award to recipients who have demonstrated a unique passion for the cause through their work, inspirational courage or individual commitment.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130417/NY96902 )

Kate Hudson, award-winning actress and Ann Taylor brand ambassador, presented the distinguished award to Krill at the Foundation's cornerstone charity event. This year, the event raised over $5 million. "I am honored to take part in recognizing Kay and ANN INC. for their support of lifesaving breast cancer research," said Hudson. "As CEO of ANN INC., Kay has made it her mission to care about the full lives and well-being of women. That's why much of their charitable work supports women who need it most – including those battling cancer."

Since 2005, ANN INC. has been a committed partner to BCRF, donating a record-breaking contribution of $13.4 million in an effort to help make a positive difference for women who have been or will be touched by this horrid disease. In 2012 alone, ANN INC. donated nearly $4 million to BCRF through its Ann Taylor Cares and LOFT Cares Card programs and products. ANN INC.'s annual contribution currently fully funds 13 BCRF research projects that support lifesaving science across the U.S. and in Canada.

"I am truly honored to receive the Sandra Taub Humanitarian Award on behalf of ANN INC. As a company with a nearly 95 percent female employee base and all-female client base, we're deeply committed to helping women put their best selves forward," said Krill. "Breast cancer touches the lives of so many women, and through our support of BCRF, we are helping to make a positive difference for all of those who have been affected by this horrible disease. I promise to continue to do everything I can to support the work of this amazing organization in the hopes of finding a cure in our lifetime."

BCRF's mission is to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime by providing critical funding for innovative clinical and translational research at leading medical centers worldwide, and increasing public awareness about good breast health. 

"As a result of ANN INC.'s contributions and the money raised through the Hot Pink Party, BCRF is able to continue its mission to fund vital breast cancer research," said Myra Biblowit, President of BCRF. "One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, so we are especially proud to recognize Kay and ANN INC.'s hard work for helping us make an impact in these women's lives."

Founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, BCRF has raised more than $425 million to date to fund scientific research to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer.

In recognition of Mother's Day on May 3, ANN INC. is proud to support BCRF through the sale of Ann Taylor Cares Card at Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Factory stores. In addition, a set of three shades of pink nail polish will be available for purchase at Ann Taylor stores. 90 percent of the purchase price of the Ann Taylor Cares Card and 50 percent of the purchase price of the nail polish set will be donated to BCRF.

About ANN INC.
ANN INC. is the parent Company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, two of the leading women's specialty retail fashion brands in North America. The Company operates 984 Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory, LOFT and LOFT Outlet stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada as of February 2, 2013. Our Ann Taylor and LOFT brands are available in more than 100 countries worldwide online at AnnTaylor.com  and LOFT.com.  Visit ANNINC.com for more information (NYSE: ANN).

About The Breast Cancer Research Foundation^®
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation^®, founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, is an independent not-for-profit organization committed to funding scientific research to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime. In October 2012, BCRF awarded $40 million to 197 scientists across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and China. With 91 cents of every dollar spent by BCRF directed towards breast cancer research and awareness programs, BCRF remains one of the most fiscally responsible charities in the country. For the tenth time since 2002, it has earned 4 stars from Charity Navigator. Additionally, BCRF is the only breast cancer organization rated an "A+" by CharityWatch. For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.

SOURCE ANN INC.