ANN INC., Parent Company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, Donates $4.3 Million to Advance Breast Cancer Research

NEW YORK, April 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- ANN INC., the parent Company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, donated more than $4.3 million to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF) to fund groundbreaking cancer research from the success of the brand's 2014 spring and fall campaigns, bringing the Company's total corporate donation to $22.3 million in the past 10 years. The Company currently fully funds seventeen pioneering research projects for the 2014-2015 grant period. Through the Ann Taylor brand, the Company continues its longtime support of lifesaving breast cancer research with the launch of its annual spring campaign benefiting BCRF.

"As a company for women, we are acutely aware of the horrific impact that breast cancer has on the lives of women and their families. We are committed to supporting BCRF in the continued fight against breast cancer and are proud to fund esteemed BCRF grantees that are performing innovative research every single day," said Kay Krill, President and CEO of ANN INC. "Our spring Ann Taylor Cares campaign provides an opportunity for our clients and associates to get involved in helping to make life-changing differences for women who have been or will be impacted by breast cancer."

Beginning April 27, ANN INC. is proud to support BCRF with the sale of Ann Taylor Cares Cards at Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Factory Store. Ninety percent of the card's purchase price will be donated to BCRF and those who purchase the card will receive a special discount in-stores through June 1, 2015.

"ANN INC.'s enduring commitment to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation makes our critical research possible. Year over year, we are so impressed by both their financial contributions and the way the organization is truly inspired by our work and connected to the cause," said Myra Biblowit, President of BCRF. "With Kay Krill and all of ANN INC. at our side, we know that our mission of putting an end to breast cancer is within reach."

As a thank you to clients for making such a difference, Ann Taylor has also developed a special limited edition collection that make for perfect Mother's Day gifts. The collection includes a Pink Whisper Weight Scarf, Pink Cropped Relaxed Sweater, Pink Quartz Earrings, Ring Trio and Pendant Necklace. The Limited Edition Collection is available for purchase in-store and online April 27 through June 18, 2015 and 50% of the purchase price will be donated directly to BCRF.

For more information, please visit ANNCares.com.

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. As of January 31, 2015, the Company operated 1,030 Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory, LOFT, LOFT Outlet and Lou & Grey stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada. Our Ann Taylor and LOFT brands are also available online in more than 100 countries worldwide at AnnTaylor.com and LOFT.com or at our LOFT franchise stores in Mexico. Visit ANNINC.com for more information (NYSE: ANN).

About the Breast Cancer Research Foundation^®

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) advances the world's most promising research to eradicate breast cancer. Founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, BCRF has raised more than $560 million to fuel discoveries in tumor biology, genetics, prevention, treatment, survivorship and metastasis, making it one of the largest non-governmental funders of breast cancer research in the world. This year, BCRF is investing $58.6 million in research, to support more than 226 researchers at leading medical institutions across six continents, including $11.6 million to the international Evelyn H. Lauder Founder's Fund focused on metastasis. By spending 91 cents of every dollar on research and public awareness programs, BCRF remains one of the nation's most fiscally responsible nonprofits. BCRF is the only breast cancer organization with an "A+" from CharityWatch, and has been awarded Charity Navigator's highest rating of four stars 13 times since 2002. For more information, please visit: www.bcrfcure.org.

The Ann Taylor Cares Card 

Those who purchase a $25 Ann Taylor Cares Card will receive 20% off every purchase of $100 or more, or 25% off if using an Ann Taylor Card, at Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory Store, LOFT and LOFT Outlet stores from April 27 through June 1, 2015. 90% of the card's purchase price will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  The Ann Taylor Cares Card is available at Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Factory Store through May 25, 2015.

Ann Taylor Limited Edition Collection
This spring, as a Thank You to our clients for making a difference, Ann Taylor designed a special Limited Edition Collection benefiting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. From April 27 through June 18, 2015, Ann Taylor will donate 50% of the purchase price of the Pink Whisper Weight Scarf, retail $39.50; Pink Cropped Relaxed Sweater, retail $79.50; Pink Quartz Earrings, retail $39.50; Pink Quartz Ring Trio, retail $39.50; and Pink Quartz Pendant Necklace, retail $49.50, to BCRF. The collection is available at Ann Taylor stores and online at anntaylor.com.

SOURCE ANN INC.

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