Celebrity Quilt Sews Success for Fight Against Breast Cancer

COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning today, Ebay users will have the opportunity to bid on a special celebrity quilt made in honor of the fight against breast cancer as part of the Panera Bread Pink Ribbon Bagel 'Joined In Hope' campaign. The quilt is made of squares decorated and signed by Ohio celebrities including members of the Rascal Flatts, Jim Tressel and members of The Columbus Crew.  The Glass Thimble, a central Ohio quilt shop, donated their supplies and time to sew each patch of the quilt together. 100% of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Bidding will be open on Ebay from April 27 – May 6, and the winner will be announced May 7.

Efforts to make the celebrity quilt began in early October with the help of Panera Bread and The Glass Thimble. Panera Bread raised money for the American Cancer Society through its Pink Ribbon Bagel campaign. Panera Bread donated $0.25 for each of the 52,462 Pink Ribbon Bagels that were sold throughout the month of October. With the help of customers and the community, Panera Bread was able to present the American Cancer Society with a check for $13,115.50. To bid on the quilt consumers can visit www.Ebay.com and search "Panera Bread Celebrity Quilt".

"We are elated to help the American Cancer Society out in such a unique way," said Jeff Rains, President of Breads of the World. "It's great to see this special celebrity quilt finished and ready for auction after months in the making. It's such an honor to help an organization such as the American Cancer Society."

"Thousands of people are diagnosed with cancer every year," said Don McClure, Chief Executive Officer of the American Cancer Society. "The Joined In Hope auction is a perfect grassroots effort to help out cancer victims in Ohio. We are anxious to see the outcome."

About the American Cancer Society:

American Cancer Society's goal is to save lives and create more birthdays through helping to prevent cancer or detect cancer early, being there for people during and after a cancer diagnosis, finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery and fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer. To learn more about us or to get help, visit cancer.org.

About Panera Bread:

Breads of the World, LLC, Panera Bread's local franchise, operates 48 bakery-cafes in the Columbus, Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Dayton–metro areas. With its identity rooted in handcrafted, freshbaked, artisan bread, Panera Bread is committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust. At the close of each day, Panera Bread bakery-cafes donate bread and baked goods to community organizations serving those in need. For more information on the franchise, including bakery-cafe locations, visit www.panera-ohio.com.

SOURCE Panera Bread