NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ann Taylor and LOFT Brands, part of the Premium Fashion segment of ascena retail group, inc., have exceeded their combined fundraising goal of $5 million for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF) six months ahead of schedule, an amount typically raised over the span of a year. As part of the brands' 12-year partnership with BCRF, the campaign kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness month by fundraising through the annual Cares Card program. In the six-week period since then, the campaign surpassed last year's fundraising total by 34 percent, enabling the funding of 20 full-time BCRF-supporting researchers in the 2018-2019 year, who are studying breast cancer across the entire spectrum of the disease – from prevention, tumor biology, treatment and cell research to survivorship and metastasis.

"This year's record-breaking $5 million donation is a testament to the dedication of Ann Taylor and LOFT's associates and clients to help fight breast cancer" said Myra Biblowit, BCRF President & CEO. "Each year we marvel at the commitment and passion with which the brands strive to eradicate this disease. This support will undoubtedly accelerate research to unravel the mystery of breast cancer, ultimately improving outcomes and saving lives."

Through the annual BCRF Fall campaign, Cares Card were sold in-store and online at Ann Taylor and LOFT stores, where ninety percent of the cards' purchase price was donated to BCRF and clients received a special discount on in store merchandise. In addition, they sold limited-edition products benefiting BCRF, and store events to fundraise record-breaking amounts. Ann Taylor and LOFT have donated more than $38 million to BCRF since 2005.

"This milestone is a reflection of the passion and commitment our clients, associates, and brands have for making a difference in the lives of women," said Gary Muto, President and Chief Executive Officer of ascena Brands. "I am proud that our 12-year partnership with BCRF has enabled meaningful progress in the fight against breast cancer."

To learn more about the brands' fight against breast cancer and how you can get involved, please visit: http://www.responsiblyann.com/caringAboutWomen.asp. 

About ascena retail group's Premium Fashion Segment
As a subsidiary of ascena retail group, inc. (NASDAQ: ASNA), the Premium Fashion segment operates the Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Lou & Grey brands. The segment operates Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory Stores, LOFT, LOFT Outlet and Lou & Grey stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Our brands are also available online in more than 100 countries worldwide, at anntaylor.com, LOFT.com, louandgrey.com or LOFT franchise stores in Mexico.  

About Breast Cancer Research Foundation®
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) is dedicated to being the end of breast cancer by advancing the world's most promising research. Founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, BCRF-funded investigators have been deeply involved in every major breakthrough in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. This year, BCRF will award $59.5 million to support the work of more than 275 scientists at leading medical and academic institutions across 15 countries, making BCRF the largest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide. BCRF is the highest rated breast cancer organization in the U.S.—the only one with an "A+" from CharityWatch and Charity Navigator's highest rating of four stars. Visit www.bcrfcure.org to learn more.

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SOURCE ANN INC.