PINK Bagels

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Panera’s New Jersey locations are going pink! Beginning tomorrow, Panera will donate 25 cents to the Cancer Institute of New Jersey for each Pink Ribbon bagel purchased at any of their 37 New Jersey locations. Last year they raised more than $6,000. Jim Nawn, a NJ Panera franchise owner, brought the Pink Ribbon campaign to New Jersey to support Sue Stees, a Panera franchisee in Oklahoma, who was fighting breast cancer. “I started with Operation Dough-nation which was just financial support but now Panera’s contribution has blossomed into a month-long event with activities and a special luncheon for local cancer survivors.” Panera will also be offering the pink ribbon bagel, which was designed by Stees in 2001 and is sold in all participating Panera’s across the country. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of Panera in New Jersey and in celebration, three North Jersey locations are holding “Panera in Pink” day on October 1st. Residents of West Orange, the first store, and their neighbors in Montclair and West Caldwell will be treated to a free pink ribbon bagel and coffee (with purchase) for dressing in pink that day. And if pink is your color, go BIG! Customers who show up in the most “Pinkerific’ outfit may just win a free lunch courtesy of Panera. Jim Nawn has turned his franchise into more than just a café and bakery. For him, he has given New Jersey residents what he calls a “gathering place in a community.” For more information about The Cancer Institute of New Jersey and ways to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, www.cinj.org. This column was written by blogger Hilary Morris of Mrs Mo’s New Jersey who helps manage and promote NJ My Way.