Company: The Keep A Breast Foundation, Los Angeles, CA
Company Description: The Keep A Breast Foundation is a global non-profit organization dedicated to helping eradicate breast cancer by exposing young people tomethods of prevention, early detection and support. Through artevents, educational programs and fundraising efforts, we seek toincrease breast cancer awareness among young people so they are betterequipped to make choices that benefit their long-term health.
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Company of the Year - Non-Profit or Government Organizations

Nomination Title: The Keep A Breast Foundation

Tell the story about what this nominated organization achieved since January 1 2012 (up to 525 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms. Be sure to mention obstacles overcome, innovations or discoveries made, and outcomes:

The Keep A Breast Foundation™ (KAB) is the leading youth-focused, global, nonprofit breast cancer organization with a mission to eradicate breast cancer for future generations. Through art events, education and fundraising efforts, KAB seeks to increase breast cancer awareness among young people so they are better equipped to make choices that will benefit their long-term health and well-being.

Shaney jo Darden, CEO and co-founder, started KAB after her friend’s untimely death from breast cancer at the age of 27.  Since then, Darden and her team have been pushing boundaries in the movement toward eradicating breast cancer, transforming KAB from a grassroots artist movement into an international organization, reaching and inspiring millions across the globe with messages of prevention, education and support.

By employing modern communication tactics, engaging young people in an authentic voice, and aligning with leading musicians and artists to act as positive role models, KAB has made impressive strides to empower women under 25, an important audience often overlooked by the “pink ribbon” establishment, to make lifestyle changes to guard against the environmental causes of breast cancer.

KAB’s Programs & Accomplishments include:

• The Non Toxic Revolution seeks to inform and inspire young people to revolt against the dangers of toxic chemicals in their environment and food supply—especially those linked to the initiation of breast cancer. In 2012, KAB’s Non Toxic Revolution was launched in Europe with an art exhibition in Berlin. Subway monitors showed evocative public service announcement that reached hundreds of thousands of passages each day, 400 sq. meter banners where hung and 10,000 posters with work from Berlin artists were plastered citywide to raise global awareness of KAB’s movement, spark conversations and support breast cancer prevention.

• The Traveling Education Booth is KAB’s touring, interactive education platform that brings the message of breast cancer prevention directly to young people. By attending events like Vans Warped Tour, SXSW and the other 450+ worldwide events, KAB has been able toreach over two and a half million people to educate them on breast cancer prevention and early detection. The booth also offers participants a chance to share personal experiences through KAB’s support programs, including “This is My Story” and “Imagine If….There was no cancer.”

• The Treasured Chest Program gives women diagnosed with breast cancer an opportunity to document her body and feelings, by turning their casted torso into a beautiful work of art. These unique pieces are one-of-a-kind plaster forms that combine sculpture, charity, and artistry to communicate complex emotions about breast health and the female form. Recently, KAB hosted the Tokyo LOVE Show, which celebrated the official launch of Keep A Breast Japan. This event highlighted the largest collection of breast casts featuring the work of over 100 artists from across Asia, North America and Europe.

These efforts have merited significant recognition for Darden, including the Yoplait Champion Award, speaking opportunities on platforms such as TEDxSandiego, the Alternative Press’s “25 Most Influential People in the Music Industry” and Surf Industry Manufacturer’s Association (SIMA) “Humanitarian of the Year,” following in the footsteps of Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers and Grammy-award winning musician Jason Mraz.

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Provide a brief (up to 125 words) biography about the leader of this nominated organization:

Shaney jo Darden founded the Keep A Breast Foundation to drive awareness for breast cancer in youth and provide education and resources for prevention. Under her leadership, Keep A Breast has been transformed from a controversial grassroots movement into the leading global youth-based breast cancer nonprofit, reaching and inspiring millions with messages of prevention and support. Using her fashion design experience working for such notable designers as Etnies, Emerica, DC and Tommy Hilfiger, Darden also developed campaigns that harnessed the power of art to communicate complex feelings about health, the female form and breast cancer. Keep A Breast’s distinct approach has merited recognition for Darden, including SD Metro’s “40 Under 40,” TNT’s “Dramatic Difference Maker,” and the Surf Industry Manufacturer’s Association “Humanitarian of the Year.”

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