Ann Taylor Stores Corp. Raises Record Amount for the Fight Against Breast Cancer

NEW YORK, Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Ann Taylor Stores Corporation (NYSE: ANN) raised an unprecedented $2.6 million for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF) through their ANN Cares® Card and LOFT Cares® Card programs and products.  The custom designed products included the ANN Cares Bracelet & Necklace designed by Lisa Axelson, and the LOFT Cares Jewelry Collaborations with designers Anna Sheffield, Kara Ross, and Robin Renzi of Me&Ro.  The donation will fully fund ten BCRF research projects in the 2011-2012 grant making period.

The Company's ANN Cares® and LOFT Cares® breast cancer awareness program is launched every year during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.  This year's record-breaking contribution represents an increase of more than 120% over the previous year and a total donation of more than $6.4 million to BCRF to fund clinical and translational research worldwide.

Commenting on the Company's ongoing commitment to the fight against breast cancer, Kay Krill, President and CEO of Ann Taylor Stores Corp., stated, "We are a Company dedicated to inspiring and connecting with women every day. Their health and well-being are of paramount importance to us.  These unprecedented funds will support life-saving work conducted by the BCRF researchers Ann Taylor supports.  I am so proud of the passion and commitment that our associates display every year in the eradication of breast cancer."

"The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is thrilled by this remarkable donation.  It is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the Ann Taylor and LOFT teams and the leadership of Kay Krill," said Evelyn H. Lauder, Chairman and Founder of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  "Ann Taylor Stores support of ten BCRF research projects next year will ensure our ability to beat breast cancer in our lifetime.  We are extremely grateful for this generous gift."

BCRF's Scientific Advisors recently completed the selection of grantees for the coming year and for the second year four grantees were selected as the Ann Taylor Stores Corporation 2010-2011 BCRF grant recipients, led by Dr. Kathy Miller, from the Indiana University School of Medicine, Dr. Annette Stanton from UCLA, Dr. Carol Fabian from the University of Kansas and Dr. Dawn Hershman from Columbia University.

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, Ann Taylor Factory, LOFT and LOFT Outlet stores in 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico as of October 30, 2010, as well as online at AnnTaylor.com and LOFT.com. Visit AnnTaylorStoresCorp.com for more information (NYSE: ANN).

About ANN Cares® and LOFT Cares®

Ann Taylor Stores Corporation commitment to corporate responsibility extends into the communities where we live and work. Through our charitable arms, ANN Cares® and LOFT Cares®, we develop campaigns that engage, inspire, and connect our clients and our associates with the charities that we support.  We provide support to renowned programs that contribute to women's and children's health and well-being, as well as our associates and the environment.  Visit responsiblyann.com for more information.

About The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® was founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder as an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding innovative clinical and translational research.  In October 2010, BCRF awarded $33 million to over 172 scientists across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia.  Currently, more than 90 cents of each dollar donated to the Foundation goes directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs.  And the American Institute of Philanthropy has awarded the Foundation its highest possible rating of A+.  BCRF is the only breast cancer organization to receive this accolade; and is the only cancer organization to currently hold this ranking.  For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.

SOURCE Ann Taylor Stores Corporation