The Ultimate Drive(TM) for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
22 July 1998
The Ultimate Drive(TM) for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Communities & Volunteers Launch Four-Month-Long Fundraising Effort To Raise
$1 Million To Help Eradicate Breast Cancer
WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., July 21 -- BMW of North America and the
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation today announced that they will once
again join forces in The Ultimate Drive(TM) for the Susan G. Komen Breast
Cancer Foundation. Last year more than 32,000 people participated in this
nationwide program to raise $1 million in support of breast cancer efforts,
and to raise awareness of the importance of early detection in communities
throughout the country. The 1998 program will kick-off July 21st with
simultaneous events in three parts of the country (New York City, Cleveland
and Seattle) and criss-cross the USA until mid-November. The telephone number
established for all interested supporters of the Komen Foundation who wish to
participate in the program is 877-4-A-DRIVE (877-423-7483). The goal is once
again to raise $1 million for this worthy cause.
The program operates on several levels. In each community, BMW centers
and the Komen Foundation host a special all-day fundraising event. The
programs in each city begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at 6:00 p.m. For every mile
that is "test-driven" during this time, BMW donates $1 to the Komen
Foundation. In addition, a special presentation is conducted to recognize a
local "Hero" for his or her outstanding work in the community and dedication
to help eradicate breast cancer. During the presentation a photograph of each
"Hero" is affixed onto a specially marked BMW vehicle called the "signature"
car, producing an ever-growing collage of the real people who are making a
difference in the drive to find a cure for breast cancer. Finally, all
participants in the program are encouraged to commemorate their involvement in
the program by adding their signatures to the "signature" car that then
becomes a moving symbol of the program's goals.
In addition to the $1-Per-mile commitment, BMW is dedicating three
caravans of 16 specially marked vehicles to the drive. These caravans will
simultaneously travel to more than 200 BMW retail centers across the country.
Last year, more than 150 communities participated in this grassroots
initiative to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer efforts.
Everyone is also invited to join in the construction of a "Wall of
Support" comprised of statements and sentiments to raise awareness in the
battle against breast cancer. A suggested donation of five dollars will serve
to further the local Komen chapters' fundraising efforts. A package
containing a commemorative keychain, along with a support panel will be
available at the BMW Center. Everyone is encouraged to bring along
photographs, pressed flowers or other sentimental tokens to become part of the
Wall. At the end of the Ultimate Drive program, each Wall from nearly 200 BMW
Centers across the nation will be combined to form a majestic collage.
"The support throughout these communities is extraordinary," said Nancy
Brinker, founding chairman of the Komen Foundation. "BMW has demonstrated a
high level of support and commitment for the Komen Foundation and its cause.
This program creates tremendous awareness and provides consumers with a fun
and unique way to join in the fight against breast cancer."
"BMW is very pleased to team up again with the Komen Foundation. Last
year, we were tremendously impressed by the commitment of time and energy that
the volunteers, drivers and our centers brought to the program. Without the
truly extraordinary efforts of the communities, we would not be able to reach
our goal of $1 million to help fight breast cancer," said BMW of North America
president Victor Doolan. "We are pleased that our people and our products can
provide a catalyst to raise money and community awareness in this important
effort."
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by
Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from
breast cancer at the age of 36. The Foundation is a national organization
with a network of volunteers working to eradicate breast cancer as a
life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and
treatment.
The Foundation is the nation's largest private funder of research
dedicated solely to breast cancer. In addition to funding research, the
National Grant Program funds innovative breast cancer education, screening and
treatment projects for the medically under-served. Hundreds of thousands of
men and women receive the life-saving message of early detection through Komen
outreach efforts.
BMW of North America, Inc. was established in 1975, when the company
assumed marketing and distribution responsibilities of BMW vehicles in the
U.S. from the previous private distributor. Since then the company's North
American operations have grown to include marketing, sales and financial
services organizations in the United States and Canada; a South Carolina
manufacturing operation; a design firm in California; and various other
operations throughout the U.S. and Canada. BMW is represented in North
America through a network of more than 370 automobile and 190 motorcycle
retailers in the United States and Canada. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the brand's
North American headquarters, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Persons wishing to participate in The Ultimate Drive(TM) for the Susan G.
Komen Breast Cancer Foundation are encouraged to call toll-free 877-4-A-DRIVE
(1-877-423-7483). For more information about the program and online
registration you can log onto the World Wide Web on the Komen Foundation home
page at http://www.komen.org or the BMW home page at http://www.bmwusa.com.
