Randi Jorden, BCRF, Interview

Hi Randi! Thank you so much for meeting with us today! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your relation to BCRF & Wedgewood?

I have been with BCRF for about a year and a half now.  As the Associate Director of Partnerships, I have the great honor of working with and supporting our amazing 140+ corporate partners on their cause marketing campaigns throughout the year. Wedgewood is one of those partners.  I have been working with Wedgewood for almost a year now (since Nov 2014!), when they first reached out to BCRF regarding partnership.

What are some of the challenges BCRF is facing? What are some of the biggest accomplishments?

The biggest challenge we face is that every 2 minutes, a woman in the US is diagnosed with breast cancer. Founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, BCRF-funded investigators have been deeply involved in every major breakthrough in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. By investing 91 cents of every dollar directly in its mission, BCRF remains one of the nation’s most fiscally responsible nonprofits. BCRF is the only breast cancer organization with an “A+” from CharityWatch, together with Charity Navigator’s highest rating of four stars 13 times since 2002.

Photo: Courtesy of BCRF

How can engaged couples show their support for BCRF?

Consider programs such as a “Pink Package in honor of BCRF” in the sense that the couple can choose to “turn their wedding pink”.  While the package items might be pink in color, there would not be BCRF branding on the products.  However, “turning pink” does not necessarily mean things must be pink in color. Any current/existing package/product can be “turned pink” by supporting breast cancer research and awareness.

Another potential offering is for the couples to provide the option to have guests donate to BCRF in lieu of gifts. This can be through their gift registry, shared at engagement parties and showers.

Photo: Courtesy of BCRF

How can we continue to grow together and increase awareness?

Engaging employees is a great way to build the relationship and increase awareness. Employees are this cause’s greatest ambassadors. BCRF encourages and harnesses employees’ personal enthusiasm in the fight against breast cancer through a number of ways. Workplace Giving Programs allow for and promotes additional investment from employees. This can be made through specialized fundraising campaigns in honor of individuals touched by the disease. These events can be independent events such as a road race, bowling night or even a fun event of educational aspects. Independent fundraising provides opportunities for networking and creates a greater impact through the employees’ voice. BCRF has an independent fundraising group that can help support these efforts.

Employer Gift Matching Programs is another way partners can promote workplace giving. We encourage partners to incorporate and communicate their connection to BCRF into the workplace, making an effort to bring forth the employees who are passionate about the cause. Executives have an opportunity to play a critical role when communicating the company’s commitment to the cause through engaging and empowering employees.

Another way to help spread awareness is by helping to spread the word. Our partners’ endless dedication both inspires us and makes BCRF’s progress possible, so we welcome you to take pride in our united effort in this fight to end breast cancer. As our invaluable brand ambassadors, we encourage you to share our mission with the world through your social media channels. We activate year-round, so we invite you to join the conversation on major health awareness days throughout the year:

• National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day: October 13, 2015
• National Mammography Day: October 15, 2015
• Giving Tuesday: December 1, 2015
• World Cancer Day: February 4, 2016
• International Women’s Day: March 8, 2016
• Triple Negative Breast Cancer Awareness Day: TBD
• World Health Day: April 7, 2016
• National Cancer Survivors Day: June 5, 2016
• Women’s Health Week: TBD
• Men’s Health Week: TBD

We are beyond thrilled to continue our partnership with Wedgewood and welcome any opportunity to further discuss developing a mutually beneficial program in 2016!

Photo: Courtesy of BCRF

A special thank you to Randi Jorden and BCRF for their commitment and dedication to breast cancer research an increasing awareness. We look forward to being part of the breast cancer research movement alongside a truly impactful and inspiring team. 

Find more information about BCRF on their website: www.bcrfcure.org