Durango Boots
Durango Boots, a division of Rocky Brands Inc., continued its ongoing support of breast cancer research with a $10,098 donation to the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research. “Durango is proud to continue to support the fight against breast cancer,” says Erin DeLong, marketing manager. “We are donating funds generated through the sale of the Pink Ribbon Lady Rebel boot to the Spielman Fund, to fund the research and work they are doing to support patients and find a cure.” For each pair of Durango’s Pink Ribbon Lady Rebel western boots sold, the brand donates a percentage of the proceeds to breast cancer organizations or initiatives. The boot features a translucent rubber graphic outsole with a pink ribbon graphic, a symbol for breast cancer awareness and support for those who have been affected by the disease. To date, Durango has donated $72,606 in support to the Spielman Fund.
Pink Out at Ohio State
Pink Out the ʼShoe, an event held each October at an Ohio State football game, is a sea of pink at Ohio Stadium. The Ohio State student-led organization, Pink Out at Ohio State, raises awareness and funds for breast cancer research. The organization’s goal is to spread messages of courage and hope to those affected by this terrible disease.
Pink Out at Ohio State raises awareness on Ohio State’s campus through various events leading up to October’s game day. The students hold T-shirt sales, with 100 percent of proceeds being donated to the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research thanks to sponsors. Pink Out at Ohio State encompasses over 50 student volunteers.
The organization typically sells 15,000 to 20,000 shirts annually and has raised nearly $60,000 since its inception in 2014. Last year they raised almost $9,000. The 2018 Pink Out at the ʼShoe took place during the Ohio State vs. Minnesota game on Saturday, Oct. 13. For more information, visit www.pinkoutatosu.com.
College Traditions
College Traditions, owned by the Dawes family since 1984, has been giving back to the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research for the past six years. The store, located on West Lane Avenue in Columbus, provides a large selection of Ohio State gifts, sportswear apparel and collectibles.
Owner Kelly Dawes wanted to honor Stefanie Spielman’s legacy. Collection boxes are placed at the registers year-round, and all donations made in October are matched. Staff are also encouraged to ask each customer entering the store if they would like to make a donation to the Spielman Fund.
Funds raised have continued to increase, bringing in more than $5,000 last year. To keep the initiative strong, Kelly continues to pursue new ideas, such as encouraging customers to donate through social media. College Traditions also provides an opportunity for donating customers to enter a raffle to win a Chris Spielman-signed football or framed photo. To date, College Traditions has donated more than $13,000 to the Spielman Fund. For more information, please visit www.collegetraditions.com.