Hard Rock International Goes Pink For PINKTOBER™

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock International adds a pop of PINK this October in honor of the brand's 13^th annual PINKTOBER™ breast cancer awareness campaign!  For the 2012 campaign Hard Rock teams up with international, female pop-duo Bananarama to raise awareness and funds for a cause that affects people across the globe. As 2012 PINKTOBER brand ambassadors, Bananarama will entertain fans and survivors on a special PINKTOBER tour at select Hard Rock locations in the U.S. 

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100323/NY75299LOGO )

"Everyone knows someone whose life has been affected by breast cancer," said Sara Dallin. "So when Hard Rock offered us the opportunity to take part in PINKTOBER and support a great cause in a fun way, we jumped at the chance."

"We cannot wait to get our Hard Rock tour started and spread the PINKTOBER message of awareness and hope to all our amazing fans," added Keren Woodward.

Hard Rock's commitment to breast cancer awareness and research continues throughout October with PINK menu offerings, "PINK Sheets Rooms," and limited-edition merchandise benefiting a variety of charities including The Breast Cancer Research Foundation^® (U.S.), The Caron Keating Foundation (U.K.) and local breast cancer charities around the globe.

"Philanthropy has been a cornerstone for Hard Rock since day one, and our annual PINKTOBER program is an incredible example of the unique way Hard Rock Cafes, Hotels and Casinos around the Globe are able to support a worthy cause," said Annie Balliro, Sr. Director of Brand Philanthropy, Hard Rock International. "By combining great music, cool merchandise, unique menu items, social media and creative local activation, Hard Rockers help raise awareness, funds and most importantly support for the fight against breast cancer."

"I Heard a Rumor" – Bananarama Tours the U.S. 

On Tuesday, October 2, 2012, Hard Rock and Bananarama will kick off their PINKTOBER™ U.S. tour at Hard Rock Cafe New York in Times Square. Best known for the chart topping singles including "Venus," "Cruel Summer," and "I Heard a Rumor," Bananarama will perform these and other hits in honor of PINK, while celebrating their 30^th anniversary as the most successful female pop group in history. As the group turns 30, an age when breast cancer screening becomes increasingly critical, Bananarama is driving awareness to appeal to their fan base and beyond.   

For additional information/tour dates visit www.hardrock.com.

Fan-fare – PINKTOBER and You

Hard Rock's PINKTOBER gives fans the opportunity to show their promise to PINK throughout the month.  Fans can visit their local Hard Rock and party for PINK, dancing the night away to the sounds of icons and rising stars to benefit local breast cancer organizations. Eat and drink PINK with Hard Rock's non-alcoholic PINK drinks and dining on PINK menu offerings. Get noticed in stylish shades of PINK with Hard Rock's PINKTOBER merchandise including the PINKTOBER 2012 T-shirt, bracelet, robe, PINK Sheets, pin and more. Products are sold exclusively at Hard Rock properties worldwide, including Cafes, Hotels, Casinos and on www.hardrock.com.

Proceeds from the sale of PINKTOBER products will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and The Caron Keating Foundation (U.K.) with 75 percent of the retail price of each pin and 15 percent of the retail price of other products going directly to the cause.

"The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is looking forward to this year's PINKTOBER campaign," said Myra Biblowit, President, BCRF. "Hard Rock's long-standing dedication to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and our mission to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer is critical to the Foundation.  Since 2007, Hard Rock has donated over $2 million since 2007 and they are currently fully funding two BCRF research grants.  Engaging people on a global level is definitely achievable through the power of music."

For additional information on the PINKTOBER™ program, merchandise and local events, please visit www.hardrock.com. 

About The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®, founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, is an independent not-for-profit organization committed to funding scientific research to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime.  In October 2012, BCRF will award $40 million to 197 scientists across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and China. With 91 cents of every dollar spent by BCRF directed towards breast cancer research and awareness programs, BCRF remains one of the most fiscally responsible charities in the country. For the tenth time since 2002, it has earned 4 stars from Charity Navigator.  Additionally, BCRF is the only cancer organization rated an "A+" by CharityWatch.  For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.

About The Caron Keating Foundation

The Caron Keating Foundation is a fund raising partnership set up by Gloria Hunniford, Paul & Michael Keating and Russ Lindsay. The Foundation will offer financial support to professional careers, complimentary healing practitioners and support groups dealing with cancer patients, as well as individuals and families who are affected by the disease. It will also financially help a number of cancer charities with their ongoing quest for prevention, early detection and hopefully ultimate cure.  For more information, please visit www.caronkeating.org.

About Hard Rock International

With a total of 179 venues in 54 countries, including 140 cafes and 18 Hotels/Casinos, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. In addition to the two flagship Seminole Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., Hard Rock Hotels/Casinos are located in Las Vegas, Biloxi, Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, Pattaya, Bali, Macau, Penang, Singapore, Punta Cana, Panama, Cancun and Vallarta.  Additional hotel and casino projects planned to open include Riviera Maya in 2013 and Abu Dhabi in 2014.  Additional announced hotel and casino projects include Aruba, Hungary and Northfield Park.  Hard Rock International is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc. For further details on Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, visit www.hardrockhotels.com.  For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.

SOURCE Hard Rock International