KFC has turned pink to raise funds for breast cancer awareness, education and research. The national "Buckets for the Cure" campaign includes changing the color of the company's iconic red bucket to pink as well as the KFC Colonel mascot donning a special pink suit. The company's headquarters and at least one store also have joined in the new color scheme.
Through the Buckets for the Cure campaign, the company is attempting to make the single largest donation in the history of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure fundraising foundation. The effort also aims to educate more women about breast health and generate support for the cause.
Between now and May 23, KFC will be dedicating the special pink buckets to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, with KFC restaurant operators donating 50 cents for each pink bucket purchased by the operator before May 9. Twenty-five percent of the funds raised from this promotion will go directly to the local Affiliates of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The funds will be used for local breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs. The commemorative pink buckets also will pay tribute to 376 cancer survivors and those who have lost their battle by featuring their names on packaging.
As part of the campaign, the KFC Colonel, known for his classic white suit and ribbon tie, will don a new pink suit at a number of public events from now through May 23. KFC's "White House" global headquarters in Louisville, Ky., has added exterior pink lighting and ribbons. The company has garnered the support of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, thanks to the state's First Lady Jane Beshear, who will light both the Governor's mansion and the Kentucky State Capitol building pink through May 3.
At least one restaurant has taken a more permanent facelift as part of the campaign. The KFC located at 9487 Westport Road in Louisville helped launch the Buckets for the Cure campaign by painting the restaurant pink. The restaurant's general manager, Barbara Sturdivant, is honored that her company is taking such a visible step to help a cause that is so dear to her heart. Sturdivant's sister Mary Shirley lost her battle with breast cancer in March 2008. Following her death, Sturdivant adopted Shirley's two children.
　
"We don't want our efforts to stop at our restaurants' doors," Javier Benito, executive vice president of marketing and food innovation for KFC, said in a news release. "We are asking that everyone nationwide join our efforts to raise awareness for this important cause by going pink too."
　
Double Down cause marketing
KFC is involved in another charitable effort as part of its promotion efforts for the new Double Down sandwich, which features two boneless filet servings as buns plus bacon, melted cheese and a special sauce. To celebrate the bunless sandwich, the company donated the "unneeded" sandwich buns to feed the hungry. The brand will donate both buns and funds to food banks across the country, starting with the Dare to Care Food Bank in KFC's hometown of Louisville.
