Ann Taylor Stores Corp. Customers Helped St. Jude Save Lives of Children in Communities Everywhere

NEW YORK, March 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ann Taylor Stores Corp. announced today that the company, its associates and clients helped St. Jude Children's Research Hospital save lives of children in communities everywhere this year by raising $2 million for the sixth annual Thanks and Giving campaign, a national awareness and fundraising initiative for St. Jude that runs throughout the holiday season.  Ann Taylor, LOFT, Ann Taylor Factory, and LOFT Outlet Stores clients visited all stores across to the country and supported the lifesaving work of St. Jude, by adding a donation to their purchase.  In addition, the Ann Taylor design team created a one-of-a-kind Children's Cashmere Cardigan with 60% of full-price purchases donated to St. Jude.

Ann Taylor Stores Corp. joins the nation's leading brands and most respected businesses who partner with their customers to "Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not," by making contributions to St. Jude, to support the critical research and treatment taking place at the hospital.  This is the third year that Ann Taylor, through its ANN CARES and LOFT CARES charitable giving initiative, has participated in the Thanks and Giving campaign.

"We know it's been a tough year, but cancer can't wait for the economy to get better. That's why St. Jude is so thankful we can count on Ann Taylor Stores Corp., their clients and associates to support the lifesaving work of St. Jude through the Thanks and Giving campaign," said Marlo Thomas, National Outreach Director, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. "Since no child is ever turned away due to a family's inability to pay, Ann Taylor's support was needed this year more than ever. And they continue to be a blessing to the children who have turned to us for hope and a chance for a healthy future."

"I am so proud of our associates and thankful to our clients for raising an unprecedented $2 million during our third Thanks and Giving campaign, nearly double the amount we raised last year," stated Kay Krill, President and CEO of Ann Taylor Stores Corp. "As a mother, it is heartbreaking to imagine what the children and their families must be going through.  Our company is passionate about giving back and we are committed to supporting the important work being done by the dedicated teams at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Since its inception, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has developed protocols that have helped push overall survival rates for childhood cancers from less than 20 percent to 80 percent. In addition, St. Jude covers all costs for treatment, travel, food and lodging for patients and a family member.

About Ann Taylor Stores Corporation

Ann Taylor Stores Corporation is one of the leading women's specialty retailers for fashionable clothing in the United States, operating 907 Ann Taylor, LOFT, Ann Taylor Factory, and LOFT Outlet stores in 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico as of January 30, 2010, as well as online at AnnTaylor.com and LOFTonline.com.  Visit AnnTaylorStoresCorp.com for more information (NYSE: ANN).

About St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family's inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. For more information, please visit www.stjude.org.

SOURCE Ann Taylor Stores Corporation