San Francisco merchants' initiative for breast cancer research and awareness

Today, the San Francisco Bay Area Affiliate of Susan G. Komen For The Cure announced the launch of the 2009 Shop For The Cure® program, a night of shopping and cocktails hosted by Union Square's finest stores.

The kick-off celebration is a new addition to the Shop For The Cure® program, in its fourth year. With a $65 tax-deductible donation, shoppers receive the 2009 Komen Card, which grants them a 20 percent discount card to be used at participating merchants from October 22 through October 30. One hundred percent of the card donations will benefit the Komen San Francisco Bay Area Affiliate. Cards are available at participating merchants.

The following merchants are participating in the program and will be celebrating the kickoff this evening, offering refreshments and staying open late to offer shoppers the exclusive opportunity to use their card early:

• 7 For All Mankind
• Allen Edmonds
• Bottega Veneta
• The Container Store
• Cafe Coton
• Glory Chen
• Gucci
• Hickey Freeman
• Joe's Jeans
• Kate Spade New York
• John Varvatos
• Judith Ripka Jewelry
• Paul Smith
• Stuart Weitzman
• Theory
• TSE
• Yves St. Laurent

"The merchant community in San Francisco has been amazing, becoming more involved with the Komen Shop For The Cure card every year," said Anne Chen, Shop For The Cure Co-Chair. "We've raised more than $150,000 to fund breast cancer research, awareness and local support with this program to date and are so pleased to introduce a festive kick-off event where shoppers, merchants, and Komen donors can start their holiday shopping in style."

"This year especially, customers are eager for reasons to feel good about shopping," said Julie Scott, Manager of Allen Edmonds. "I can't think of a better way to offer that than the Shop For The Cure program, which benefits such an important cause and provides a significant discount on luxury items."

The Komen Card comes with an easy-to-use directory that contains a detailed alphabetical listing of all the stores. The discount applies only to participating stores and must be presented at the time of purchase. The Komen Card discount applies only to new merchandise or services purchased during the Komen Card event from October 22 through October 30, 2009. It does not apply to existing balances, prior purchases or future purchases.