I am a big fan of giving back to the community and the world both individually and through my business. One of the causes I have been involved in is the Susan G Komen Foundation. Every year they put together a number of fun ways to get the public involved in beating breast cancer. Passionately Pink for the Cure is just one of them.

When your business participates in a charity event like this, not only does it help a great cause, but it inspires a feeling of teamwork and camraderie with your staff and provides you with a newsworthy PR and marketing vehicle. Whatever you do to give back, let your local media, clients and trade organizations know about it. Take pictures, deliver email blasts and put your own spin on the event. One hair salon I know encouraged their clients to dye a piece of their hair pink for a $10 donation. I did this myself and got a big kick out of creating awareness while breaking out of my normal routine. (Don't worry it was semi-permanent!)

You could do other fun things to encourage donations and awareness tied to pink nail polish, pink lemonade or pomengranite body scrubs, or even selling breast cancer awareness merchandise. The point is to do something now and whenever there is a cause or excites or calls you...and to get your entire business involved.

Here is some info about the event from their registration letter...I hope you will participate!

There’s more to Passionately Pink for the Cure than meets the eye. A lot more! In fact, when women and men across America trade in their trademark blues, greens, oranges, yellows, purples and reds this year, they will be helping Susan G. Komen for the Cure® fulfill their mission to end breast cancer forever.

All you have to do is pick a day to wear pink, and each group member donates $5 or more to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Groups can select any day, or days, from today through October 2008 to "go Passionately Pink" and show their colors.

We need your passion!
Declare that you’re Passionately Pink for the Cure and help us raise $4.5 million in 2008.
The premise is simple: Pick your pink. Play your part. End breast cancer.

Participants are encouraged not only to wear pink, but also to get creative and make the day fun and educational. Groups can organize theme days or host events in honor of breast cancer survivors.

Once registered, you will receive a participation kit with details about the program, ideas for your event, specially designed pins for your participants, promotional posters, and breast health information to distribute to your group.

Click here to register or learn more.