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KFC Fast Food Franchise Undergoes Colorful Makeover To Raise Awareness Of Breast Cancer And Attempt Record-setting Donation

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For First Time Ever, Iconic KFC Bucket Will Go Pink, Along with Global Headquarters and Colonel's Classic Suit, in Support of Susan G. Komen For the Cure®

April 14, 2010 // Franchising.com // LOUISVILLE, KY - Pink is the new black (and red), at least at KFC restaurants nationwide. From one local restaurant to the world corporate headquarters, Kentucky Fried Chicken is getting a brand-wide pink facelift – and encouraging others to join in -- for breast cancer programs at the national and local levels.

KFC is joining the fight against breast cancer with a national "Buckets for the Cure™" campaign aimed at educating more women about breast health, generating support for the cause and attempting to make the single largest donation in the history of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Buckets for the Cure™ launches today and runs through May 23.

"Through our Buckets For the Cure™ campaign, the KFC family nationwide is helping to reach millions of women and men with breast health education, and attempting to make the single largest donation ever to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in an effort to help end breast cancer forever," said Javier Benito, executive vice president of marketing and food innovation for KFC. "But we don't want our efforts to stop at our restaurants' doors. We are asking that everyone nationwide join our efforts to raise awareness for this important cause by going pink too."

To help generate awareness of the disease that will affect one in eight women in the U.S., KFC has taken the unprecedented step of changing the color of its iconic bucket from red to pink – a first for the famous brand that traces its beginning to the 1930s. The commemorative pink buckets pay tribute to 376 cancer survivors and those who have lost their battle by featuring their names on packaging.

Between now and May 23, 2010, KFC will be dedicating the special pink buckets to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, with KFC restaurant operators having donated 50 cents for each pink bucket purchased by the operator before May 9, 2010. 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.

"KFC and its franchisees' support allow us to continue our life-saving work funding research, providing breast health education and screenings and providing direct help for millions of women and men in communities across the United States," said Katrina McGhee, Senior Vice President - Global Business Development and Partnerships for Komen. "The funds they raised will not only fund vital research but local communities that support survivors, patients and their families. We are very grateful for KFC's generosity and help."

The KFC Colonel, known for his classic white suit and ribbon tie, will embrace the brand's "pink-ification" by donning a new pink suit at a number of public events from now through May 23. KFC's "White House" global headquarters has also 'followed suit' by going pink via exterior pink lighting and ribbons. Even the Commonwealth of Kentucky has rallied behind the brand's efforts thanks to First Lady of the Commonwealth Jane Beshear, who will light both the Governor's mansion and the Kentucky State Capitol building pink through May 3.

"Each year between 2,800 and 3,200 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, making it the second leading cause of death for women in Kentucky," said Mrs. Beshear. "Through my Horses and Hope initiative, the annual Celebration of Hope and working with Churchill Downs to sponsor 'Pink Out' day at the Kentucky Oaks, I am committed to educating women about breast cancer. The Governor and I encourage all Kentuckians and Americans to join us in partnering with Kentucky Fried Chicken to 'Go Pink' to increase awareness for breast cancer."

Louisville Restaurant, Iconic Buckets First to "Go Pink"

The KFC located at 9487 Westport Road in Louisville took the first pink step to help launch the Buckets for the Cure™ campaign by painting their 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, Maliyá and Trinna.

"Breast cancer is a disease that has touched my family in a profound way," Sturdivant said. "It makes me feel good that KFC selected my restaurant to 'go pink.' It's a wonderful tribute to Mary."

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which is now the world's largest breast cancer organization and the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer with nearly $1.5 billion invested to date. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.

About Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear

Since the beginning of her time as First Lady, Jane Beshear has been committed to tackling breast cancer head on through a variety of initiatives. She began the Horses and Hope program, which aims to educate, improve awareness and offer screenings for the often overlooked members of Kentucky's horse industry. She has continued and expanded the annual First Lady's Celebration of Hope, a springtime luncheon honoring breast cancer survivors. Additionally, in 2010 she will again partner with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure for "Pink Out" Day at the Kentucky Oaks, where all attendees are encouraged to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness.

About KFC

KFC Corporation, based in Louisville, Ky., is the world's most popular chicken restaurant chain specializing in Original Recipe®, Extra Crispy™, Kentucky Grilled Chicken® and Original Recipe Strips with home-style sides, Honey BBQ Wings, and freshly made chicken sandwiches. There are more than 15,000 KFC outlets in 109 countries and territories around the world serving some 12 million customers each day. KFC Corporation is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., Louisville, Ky. (NYSE: YUM.)

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