Lee National Denim Day® Names American Cancer Society® As New Beneficiary

News provided by

Jul 19, 2012, 09:07 ET

MERRIAM, Kan., July 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Lee® Jeans is proud to announce today that the American Cancer Society is the new beneficiary of Lee National Denim Day. Those who join the Denim Day movement by wearing jeans and making a donation during the month of October will help benefit the American Cancer Society's life-saving efforts in communities nationwide and through ground-breaking cancer research.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lee-national-denim-day-names-american-cancer-society-as-new-beneficiary-162791176.html

"We are thrilled to team up with an organization with such a tireless passion to help and empower those affected by breast cancer," said Liz Cahill, vice president of marketing at Lee Jeans. "Lee National Denim Day was inspired by the women, men, family and friends who want to fight back against breast cancer, and that same, fighting spirit is apparent in American Cancer Society's mission."

Fifty percent of net proceeds raised through Lee National Denim Day will benefit the American Cancer Society's community-based programs, including breast cancer screenings and Hope Lodge® services, which provide cancer patients and their families a free place to stay when they have to travel away from home for treatment. In 2011, Hope Lodge facilities across the country provided more than 250,000 nights of free lodging to nearly 40,000 patients and caregivers – saving them more than $23 million in lodging expenses.

The remaining proceeds of Lee National Denim Day will help fund the American Cancer Society's national research grants ongoing work to find a cure for breast cancer. As the largest non-governmental funder of cancer research, the Society has contributed to nearly every cancer breakthrough in recent history. Their funded researchers have helped develop the drugs to treat advanced breast cancer and shown that mammograms are the most effective form of detection. One in every two women newly diagnosed with breast cancer reaches out to the American Cancer Society for help and support.

"We are excited about joining with Lee Jeans for Lee National Denim Day," said Gillian Green, vice president, distinguished giving for the American Cancer Society. "This effort represents the shared goal of Lee Jeans and the American Cancer Society to help those facing breast cancer and end the disease."

Lee National Denim Day's survivor ambassador in 2012 is Debbie Howe. Forty-six year-old Howe began treatment four months ago when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. When she underwent a double-mastectomy that failed to clear the cancerous cells in her breast tissue, her diagnosis was upgraded and she began chemotherapy treatments. Howe relies heavily on her team of family and friends for support and to help her rise above breast cancer.

Every day, the American Cancer Society provides endless support for cancer patients like Howe, who continues treatment through the fall until her next medical examination. This year, Lee National Denim Day hopes to contribute millions to the American Cancer Society in the fight to end breast cancer forever.

Lee National Denim Day is committed to improving the everyday lives of those with breast cancer - past, present and future. Since its inception in 1996, the program has raised more than $86 million in this effort. Starting today, groups and individuals can donate and sign up as a team by visiting Denimday.com or by calling 1.800.521.4433. To learn more about Lee National Denim Day, visit Denimday.com. To learn more about Lee National Denim Day's beneficiary, the American Cancer Society, visit Cancer.org.

About Lee Jeans

Lee^® Jeans is a division of VF Corporation. (NYSE: VFC). Headquartered in Merriam, Kan., Lee manufactures and markets brand denim, casual pants, shirts, fleece and knit apparel. A brand committed to the community, Lee Jeans founded Lee National Denim Day^®, one of the largest single-day fundraisers for breast cancer. For more information about Lee, visit www.lee.com.

SOURCE Lee Jeans