Need Advice re: Susan G Komen

[Susan Otcenas]

So, a few months ago, one of our apparel vendors showed us some well designed jerseys and shorts that support breast cancer awareness. The jerseys will cost a little bit more, with extra proceeds going to benefit the Susan G Komen Foundation.

With the current kerfuffle over the defunding of Planned Parenthood, we are wondering if we should take delivery of the garments or not (due to be delivered to us in March). While we did not support their decision to defund PP, we also don't want to lose sight of all the GOOD things that SGKF does.

What do you think we should do? Your thoughts on the subject are appreciated.

Susan

[jobob]

Personally, I'm not inclined to purchase anything advertising or benefiting the SGKF. But that's just me, others may feel differently.

[tulip]

I think it has to be a business decision for you. Personally, I would not buy one, but then, I would not have bought one before the recent events. I believe that SKF and similar organizations tend to have huge overhead and very little actual benefit. Things like clothing with pink ribbons and even foot races and paraphernalia are so far removed from actual research and/or treatment. I prefer to buy my clothes because I like the clothes, enter races because I like the races, and donate to organizations that have a more direct line to whatever benefit is supposed to come from my donation.

[smilingcat]

Hi Susan,

I view the Komen Foundation as toxic brand name at this point. And all the damage control and spin on the brand name isn't helping.

At this point it is too early in the aftermath to be marketing with Komen Foundation. I think it would be a detriment to sales.

just my 2cents.

[SadieKate]

Susan - a very thoughtful question with a significant decision for you.

I've never been a big fan of SGK but I've donated in the past by supporting friends who participated in their fundraisers. Over the years, I've slowly become aware of their tactics and been more and more uncomfortable with them, to the point that I carefully consider the shade of pink I'm buying. I do not want to be associated with pinkwashing. I'd far rather give my money directly to cancer foundations - especially because cancer attacks more body parts than women's breasts. Mt Bachelor held its first snowshoe race this year and while I would dearly have loved to go, I did not because it was a SGK fundraiser. My running partner detests them. My husband detests them. And this was all before the Planned Parenthood fiasco. I guess you get the picture that I would not only not financially support them, I wouldn't wear anything with their pink ribbon.

I know many oncology nurses and breast cancer patients. Never once have I heard any mention SGK as a helpful resource.

I think there are many, many worthier organizations that spend less money on hoopla and more on research, education and health services.

Thank you for asking for our input. I appreciate it.

[bluebug32]

Wouldn't buy it. Wouldn't wear it. But I think it's great that you've left this open to discussion amongst your customers.

[Atlas]

I agree with everything said here already. I was not a fan of them before recent news and definitely am not now. I wouldn't buy any of their merchandise, but I know people who would. It's a tough decision for you to make. I don't think the recent events will blow over any time soon though.

[OakLeaf]

I agree with everyone else, especially smilingcat's observation that any association with Komen is likely to reflect badly on TE, which would be really unfortunate.

Can you cancel the order without cost?

[Susan Otcenas]

I agree with everyone else, especially smilingcat's observation that any association with Komen is likely to reflect badly on TE, which would be really unfortunate.

Can you cancel the order without cost?

It's a firestorm that I don't really need TE to be in the middle of.

Yes, we can probably cancel without cost. I hate cancelling purchase orders, because while they are not *binding* commitments, our vendors do rely on them when making production decisions & forecasting. The vendor is probably substantially down the road in the production process for these pieces, and if everyone cancels their orders, is likely to take a financial hit. I feel badly about that, because we value our vendor partners very much and want them to be financially healthy.

[Susan Otcenas]

I bought a pair of grey work-out gloves with an inconspicuous pink ribbon on them.

You might be interested in this article: http://komenwatch.org/history-politics/komens-new-logo/ SGKF has trademarked a very specific style of the pink ribbon, but the pink ribbon symbol in general is not owned by them.

[zoom-zoom]

I agree with everything said here already. I was not a fan of them before recent news and definitely am not now. I wouldn't buy any of their merchandise, but I know people who would. It's a tough decision for you to make. I don't think the recent events will blow over any time soon though.

Ditto.

[Bike Chick]

I can certainly appreciate your position, Susan, and it was nice to put this out here for our input. I wouldn't have bought them and don't buy anything with pink ribbons or SGK attached. It's not one of the charities that I support, especially after the latest development.

[PamNY]

I wouldn't buy them (but I wouldn't have before the recent controversy, either). I think you would be justified in cancelling the order.

[maillotpois]

I agree with what the others have said, and applaud you for the use of the word "kerfuffle".

[Blueberry]

Susan-

Thank you for asking such a thoughtful question. One of the many reasons I support TE.

I would not take delivery of the goods. I personally would not want to be associated with Komen now - I might have considered buying them before this controversy (I didn't know what others did). In my opinion, when a vendor chooses to manufacture a good to support a charity, they run the risk of something like this happening. Perhaps there's another way you can make it up to them? Not sure what that would be - just thinking "out loud."

[Pax]

Personally, I'm not inclined to purchase anything advertising or benefiting the SGKF. But that's just me, others may feel differently.

My thoughts as well.

Thank you for the open discussion, Susan.

[zoom-zoom]

It's too bad Twin Six doesn't offer Fat Cyclist's yearly limited-edition items through any vendors other than their own site. That's something I'd be happy to buy in support of breast cancer.

[Artista]

I'm thinking that this would not be a good investment for TE. I wouldn't have purchased these items before the kerfuffle and I really wouldn't buy them now. And this is coming from a customer who DOES purchase full priced items from TE on pretty regular basis.

[Koronin]

I'm another who would not have been likely to purchase them before, but definitely would not now.

[bmccasland]

I wouldn't be inclined to buy one, partly because I don't feel like discussing Mummy dearest's cancer, and partly because I don't like pink, no matter what the cause. And after the latest kerfuffle, I'm even less inclined to buy anything with a SBK logo on it. In spite of the kerfuffle, I find their percentage of donations that go to overhead beyond the pale.

[Koronin]

You mean I'm not the only one that doesn't like pink? Nice to know there are others out there.

[salsabike]

Susan - a very thoughtful question with a significant decision for you.

I'd far rather give my money directly to cancer foundations - especially because cancer attacks more body parts than women's breasts.

I know many oncology nurses and breast cancer patients. Never once have I heard any mention SGK as a helpful resource.

I think there are many, many worthier organizations that spend less money on hoopla and more on research, education and health services.

Thank you for asking for our input. I appreciate it.

Yes, I feel this way too. And also admire "kerfuffle".

It's a real dilemma for you in your position. I can completely understand your reluctance to cause harm to one of your vendors. I suspect, though, that your sales on this item will be poor. It's a hard place to be.

[Kiwi Stoker]

I would probably be emailing or phoning the manufacter right NOW and seeing what they plan to do also. I mean I live in Australia and the news of this has reached here. Not just a US thing but a world wide thing now.

I mean as long as the product hasn't gone to the presses things could be changed artwork wise. Choose another charity, change it so it isn't SGK, maybe a generic breast cancer thing. Supporting women, anything else.

[channlluv]

I wouldn't have bought one, either, but not so much about the pink ribbon as the only jersey I own that fits me comfortably is a Terry jersey (bought used here on TE forums, thank you, Amy). I'll buy a Terry jersey next time, too. (In fact, I just went and looked and found that pretty Roseroad mesh jersey. Are these coming in more colors?)

I do agree that Komen is toxic at this point.

As an aside, I was in Office Depot yesterday and they had all their pink ribbon items on the can't-give-it-away clearance rack by the door. A big stack of folders and folios and things.

Roxy

[Selkie]

Personally, I'm not inclined to purchase anything advertising or benefiting the SGKF. But that's just me, others may feel differently.

I'm with Jo on this one.

[lph]

Since you asked directly "what should we do", here's what I think (coming from a complete outsider who had never heard of Susan G. Komen before now and still just has a vague idea of what it's all about):

- set up a anonymous poll letting people vote on whether they would buy a garment supporting the foundation or not. There may be lots of people who do support them but don't particularly feel like piping up. Your own personal opinion should play a part too, of course.

- if the majority do say "no", get in touch with the vendor, let them know that you would like to buy from them but your customers have made it clear that they do not want to support the foundation, and that that is the reason you are cancelling. If you feel like pursuing it, contact the foundation too.

The vendor may choose to stop supporting that particular foundation. The foundation may get so much bad feedback that they reconsider. I dunno, but if you do choose an active boycott, it's a lot more effective if you clearly state why.

Good luck whatever you do. And thank you for asking for our opinions!

[OakLeaf]

It's not a boycott at all. If SGK were on the list of charities to which TE donated, then taking it off that list would be a boycott, but I don't think they ever were?

Maybe you don't even have this kind of thing in Norway. SGK is most notorious for it and may have started the practice, but in the USA we have all kinds of products sold by private corporations, tagged prominently with the logo of some charity, sometimes costing more than the identical non-tagged product, and promising to make some minuscule donation to that charity for every product sold. I find the whole practice repellent, honestly, much as Tulip said, whether the alleged beneficiary is Komen, Livestrong, some phony invented veterans' charity (a particularly common front for scammers in the US), or even something that I would support with a direct donation. It's a purely profit motivated attempt by manufacturers not affiliated with the charity to make themselves seem benevolent. And to take a tax deduction (albeit usually an exceedingly small one) from money collected collected from their customers, not from their own profits.

Susan's question was whether to offer some of that product in her store. Not whether to boycott other products of whatever manufacturer it is. Which she wisely hasn't said, and shouldn't.

[lph]

okdoke. Like I said, I'm not very familiar with the details.

eta: but yes, I did use the term boycott wrongly. What I meant was simply refusing to buy something for political or ethical reasons, whether it's her own reasons, or the reasons given by her customers.

[goldfinch]

If your agreement/understanding with the vendor allows you to cancel the order my inclination would be to cancel. I question what kind of sales you would have for that product at this point.

FWIW. My view may be colored by the fact that I would not buy these items but like many here, I wouldn't have bought them before the kerfuffle.

[pll]

Interesting discussion. I do not buy 'advertising' items, so I would not have bought a Komen branded jersey before. As several have mentioned, it is a business decision, but I think it is also one personal to TE.

[Sky King]

Susan,

What a quandary, ugh. I appreciate that you are also concerned for your supplier. I had a great conversation with a friend who said "why celebrate cancer?" that is her perception of SGK. So let's celebrate life, living, biking, each other - why I have always liked the Life is Good logos

Good luck with the decision and I will do my best to purchase a jersey or something from TE to help shoulder the cost of any loss of income from the decision to not bring in the SGK clothing.

[Crankin]

The whole "pink" thing has always pissed me off, as if you were "for" breast cancer if you didn't buy into it. I did a walk one year, on the urging of a friend, and it was way too much pink brainwashing for me. I would much rather give to a local hospital or institution (like the Brigham or MGH) that does real prevention, research, and care.
Just my opinion. I wouldn't have bought the product before and I won't buy it now.

[TsPoet]

Surprising how many "wouldn't have bought it anyway", and I'm another one.
But, I guess I "forgive" SGK, they claim their decision was not based on politics, and I'd like to cut them a break and believe them. They've also fired a sacrificial lamb and apologized.
All of the objections to SGK are valid, but big organizations like that do get attention, we've all heard of them! and that's what's needed.
Sorry you are having to make this decision.

[Susan Otcenas]

I'd like to thank all of you for your thoughtful answers. It was a big help.

I'm inclined to cancel the order based on your feedback. I've sent an email to the vendor and am waiting for a response.

[redrhodie]

I bought a Shebeest pink ribbon Jersey from TE a few years ago, way before knowing anyone with BC, or having it myself (in hindsight, it's kind of freaky). At the time, I ordered it because of the fabric (bamboo), color and cut. It's still one of my favorites. The ribbon wasn't a deciding factor, but I thought,"cool, a great jersey, and some proceeds go to charity." I don't even remember what charity was being supported, but I would have bought it anyway. Now that I have BC, I guess it means more, or at least it looks that way.

So, here's my question... if you really loved one of these jerseys; it's the perfect cut, a color you've been dreaming of (with no elastic in the waistband!), would you still not buy it because of the Komen kerfuffle?

[Blueberry]

So, here's my question... if you really loved one of these jerseys; it's the perfect cut, a color you've been dreaming of (with no elastic in the waistband!), would you still not buy it because of the Komen kerfuffle?

My answer would be absolutely yes - I would not buy it. There are certain things I will not buy for ethical reasons (not getting into those here, as it's OT), and sometimes it can be less than convenient. Suffice it to say, once I've decided I'm not supporting something for moral or ethical reasons, I will not support it. No matter how much I like/want it.

[redrhodie]

I'd cancel, Susan.

[Bike Chick]

My answer would be absolutely yes - I would not buy it. There are certain things I will not buy for ethical reasons (not getting into those here, as it's OT), and sometimes it can be less than convenient. Suffice it to say, once I've decided I'm not supporting something for moral or ethical reasons, I will not support it. No matter how much I like/want it.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

[katluvr]

This has been an interesting thread. I read it this AM before work. I HAVE done the SGK 5k...of course my first time was many years ago when I think it was more grass routes. I have not done it lately as we have done other events (races/rides) that have been on the same weekend. We have contributed thru the "sleep in" option. I have not researched them enough to know where or or much of the $$$ really reaches folks. Sadly I think (IMO) that once a charity starts grass roots...as it grows (if it grows) it becomes more of a corporation and thus less $$$ goes to "charity" as it goes to "run the business". Maybe I should check out more the charity events I do. Mostly I do runs/races/rides based on how "well organized" the event is and if I have fun. (Is that self-centered). As for the current issue---yes it bothered me. And darn it it was politics and big business that caused the decisions. I am glad for the outcome. As for would I buy it...most likely I would not have even before. Most of my charity advertisement and support come for event/race registration or t-shirts. It was also interesting that TODAY I received an email from the SGK corp. regarding the recent events. And it talked about how much $$$ went locally for mammograms or breast cancer treatment. I think for a charity to survive in todays financial environment must be hard. Maybe I am naive.
As for where my "Breast Cancer" support is going this weekend (BTW both mom & sister are survivors)...I am doing the 26.2 with Donna in Jacksonville Beach. I am doing the 1/2 marathon. It has been around for 5 years..this is my 4th year of participating. Why do I do it? It is well organized AND the community support along the race course is PHENOMENAL!! And I THINK the $$$ goes locally to Mayo Clinic, but I really don't research it well.

However, Susan, I think you have your answer. I think you are great for asking. I hope it does not affect you vendor relationship.

K

[amb]

I love me some pink (the color, not the ribbon) and I will NEVER support SGK again. There are plenty of other charities that will do more with the money.

On a side note, whoever mentioned "Life is Good"......I went into the LIG store at Mall of America last year and asked if they carried cycling jerseys. The clerk said no but she'd pass on my suggestion. I doubt it made it to anyone but I'd love a LIG jersey IF it wasn't short and wide like there current ladies tops.

[szsz]

would you still not buy it because of the Komen kerfuffle?

I would not.

I am a breast cancer survivor. I like pink. I would support a different breast cancer charity jersey. Never again Komen. That ship has sailed.

[marni]

another bc survivor here, but I do not like pink, I do not wear it, and I support my own choice of charities. Komen was one of the organizations I contacted when I was first diagnosed looking for information, support groups. They didn't help me with that at all but have been bugging me for donations ever since.

The one charity that was most supportve, at least as far as information, questions, log book for treatments etc . was the live strong foundation.

I never did find a support group but at this point that is irrelevant.

The closest thing I will ever wear to a branded garment is a commemorative t shirt from a local organized ride, and that mostly because they are usually sponsered by local businesses that I support anyway.

marni

[Pedal Wench]

Wow. I'm going to be the only one on the other side of a very, very big fence.

My sister is a BC survivor, and I've personally had many scares, resulting in 8 biopsies of various forms. That's led me to become very, very involved with the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walks. Been captain of the cycling route safety crew in many cities. I see those survivors walking, and I see the families of victims giving everything they can to help find a cure.

When news of the kerfuffle came out, I was angry and frustrated, but I remembered my 3-Day family, and the survivors who received concrete help directly from SGK.

I would definitely buy one, and I know many, many, many other women (and the men on my bike crew) who would too. If SGK was pulling their money from PP and donating it to save the unicorn, then question it. But they're trying to still focus on saving women's lives.

[Artista]

Pedal Wrench, while I was one of the posters who would not buy these items, I want you to know that I respect your opinion and admire you for expressing it. Susan will benefit from hearing all points of view. Hugs to you and your sister.

[carolp]

so much has come out about sgk since the Planned Parenthood debacle. They spend way too much of their money on advertising and first-class plane tickets. I have supported them in the past, but after looking at their finances, I will never support them again. There are so many organizations out there that have a much smaller overhead with more money going to research and treatment. No way I'd wear one of their jerseys and no way do I think you should order them.

[Biciclista]

I wouldn't. The name is toxic right now. I bet you are not the olnly customer that cancels.

[Pedal Wench]

Everyone is definitely entitled to their opinions, and I certainly hope that no one will stop supporting SOME type of research. If you've got time, here's a blog post by a brave young woman I met on the 3-Day named Bridget. She was diagnosed at age 21 with Stage IV cancer, with no family history. She's why I continue to fight. I can't leave her out there fighting alone. It's a long read, but it's why I can't turn away.


Many of my friends, family, and blog readers have approached me over this past week because anyone who knows me knows I am in love with the work of Susan G. Komen for the Cure; I am a walker, a survivor, and a 3-Day Coach. Last week, when the news broke that Komen for the Cure decided to cease future funding of Planned Parenthood, thousands of women and men hit the internet to object. I will not revisit last week’s media firestorm. Plenty of people have already done more than enough recapping of every twist and turn.

Instead, I will share the reasons why I continue to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure. I will include links to absolutely everything I mention, so that anyone interested in learning more can learn more, and can do so by going directly to the source.

Deb
When I was first diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer in 2005, I went to events put on by various other breast cancer organizations. At those events, I was surrounded by women with gray hair and grandchildren. I came home in tears, and felt so much older than 21 years old. Other organizations left me, a young cancer survivor, feeling so very much alone.

Deb, a 30-something breast cancer survivor, changed all that for me. It wasn’t until Deb, a spunky little gal with flowing brunette hair, a sweet Southern drawl, and two little boys, stopped by my chemo chair one day that I finally realized I wasn’t alone at all. You see, Deb stopped by chemo to drop off literature about her support group called Breast Friends, a support group funded in part by Susan G. Komen’s Maryland Affiliate. Breast Friends was a support group for women under 40 who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time, I didn’t even know there were other women under 40 with breast cancer, and this same wonderful Deb didn’t just offer support. She also offered education. Deb was the first to say, “Bridget, you should tell your story. You should go to schools and tell your story. You could save some lives.” So, you see, Komen gave me support and Komen gave me a voice.

Ann
Komen’s impact on my journey didn’t stop there. In the past six years, I have seen 10 different doctors about this cancer, and, while every doctor saw my concerns about having babies and getting married as understandable concerns for someone in her 20s, no doctor actually took those concerns to heart. No doctor, that is, until Dr. Ann Partridge at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Dr. Partridge, or “The Boss” as she is known around my house, never told me to “worry about that later.” Instead, she helped me take action to preserve my fertility. She offered to plan my chemotherapy around my wedding and honeymoon. She offered me a chemotherapy drug that wouldn’t cause hair loss, so that I’d look my best when I walked down the aisle. She even offered to answer any questions my soon-to-be husband might have about my cancer before the Big Day. Now that’s a doctor! Dr. Partridge is the kind of doctor who thinks about the well being of the patient and the well being of the caregiver.

I am proud to say that Dr. Ann Partridge’s Young Women’s Program was funded by a three-year $1.35 million Susan G. Komen for the Cure grant. Not only that, but in addition to providing this program to lucky Dana Farber patients, this Komen grant allows “The Boss” to implement her Young Women’s Program in hospitals across the country, so that every young woman can get the same stellar, personalized care I’ve received regardless of where she happens to live.

So, as you see, I was supported by Komen, I was empowered by Komen, and I was cared for by Komen. But, have I been cured by Komen?


The Cure
I can honestly say: I wouldn’t be alive today if it weren’t for the research of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

I have been on 15 different drugs during my six year battle, and every single one has been touched by a Komen for the Cure grant, including Herceptin. Herceptin is a drug that targets my particular type of breast cancer and, in clinical trials, Herceptin has been found to reduce the risk of relapse by almost 50%. Herceptin has been the one constant in my dozens of “chemo cocktails.” Herceptin is in my current cocktail; it’s being used in combination with my friend Taxol. Herceptin is not a cure, but Herceptin is keeping me alive, and Komen gave me Herceptin.

But that’s the past. What about the future? Well, I can tell you that currently, Komen is funding 572 research projects totaling more than $300 million worldwide. In 2009, “The Boss” referred me to a clinical trial led by Dr.Leisha Emens at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Emens is developing a vaccine that teaches a patient’s immune system to fight her breast cancer on its own, and the trial is having some fantastic results. While I was unable to get the vaccine because my cancer began progressing unexpectedly, I believe this vaccine idea could truly be the future of breast cancer care. Dr.Emens’ trial was funded in 2006 by a $300,000 Komen grant. To learn more about the other exciting clinical research that Susan G. Komen funded last year alone, click here.

I Will Walk
Last Wednesday, when this news first started breaking in the media, I was at the hospital getting chemotherapy. I thought that was pretty ironic…my afternoon was about to get even more ironic! That afternoon in the hospital actually helped me deal with the onslaught of unsettling news stories. Last Wednesday, during a routine blood draw, I found out that the tumor markers in my blood had increased from 75 to 99, a preliminary sign that my chemotherapy regimen might no longer be working. When the whole world began debating and questioning Susan G. Komen’s work, my cancer turned out to be a gift. I needed a reminder, and this news was a poignant reminder. I was able to see that, for me personally, the news about Susan G. Komen mattered, but it didn’t matter enough to sway me from the heart of why I walk.

So what did I do after I learned that my tumor markers rose from 75 to 99 last week? How did I cope with the news? I registered to walk in the 2012 Susan G. Komen Washington, DC 3-Day.

I walk because I have to go to chemotherapy every week, and I don’t want anyone else to have to live that life. I walk because I live with the heavy burdens of fear and doubt every day, like the fear and doubt piercing my heart tonight as I think of my rising tumor markers. I walk because I know that over the past 6 years I have been on 15 different drugs, and all 15 of them were touched by a Susan G. Komen grant. I walk because, while there are other charities out there, no one comes close to funding research the same way Komen does. I walk because this cause is too important to walk away. I walk because today someone is going to die from breast cancer, and I walk because I don’t want to die from breast cancer.

No other organization has had my back like Komen for the Cure, and now it’s time for me to return the favor. Together, we will move past this. I believe we have already started moving, and I believe we are moving forward. I believe we will come out of this better, wiser, and stronger than before.

I hope each of you will be walking beside me this October, but I understand if that’s not the case, and I respect and support that. I wish all of you all the best. You are important to me, and I thank you for your service to this event and to the fight for a better world.

[OakLeaf]

I'm glad they helped Bridget. I don't think anyone said Komen never helped anyone ever. But you know, emotional appeals are no way to judge a charity, and just because I feel genuine empathy for Bridget doesn't mean I'm required to feel any sympathy for Komen.

[Pedal Wench]

Never said anyone had to be empathetic. I know that I personally needed a reminder of the good to erase the anger and frustration I felt last week. Bridget put it back in perspective for me. I donated a huge chunk o' change to PP last week, and now I can move forward in fighting cancer.

[Wahine]

Just another post to say that I will not buy anything associated with SGK foundation.

While I believe strongly in supporting charitable organizations, I won't keep supporting one that has lost sight of charity should be about, compassion for all people in need and supporting the other organizations around trying to do good work as well, not suing them.

I supported many of the SGK events in the past. Then I stopped when I got wind of how little donor money makes it to research etc.

I supported Athletes for the Cure for a couple of years. Then I got wind that they were threatening other organizations with lawsuits. I no longer support this organization either.

A lot of these organizations started out doing the right thing, with all of the best intentions. But that doesn't mean I'm going to continue to support them when they are no longer behaving ethically.

There are a ton of ground roots charities out there to support where your money and/or time have a much better chance of making the world a better place.

[MomOnBike]

Chiming in late here.

Even before I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I would not have been inclined to buy the branded, over-hyped pink Stuff. Don't like the color, really didn't like the guilt trip.

When I was diagnosed, I rather surprised myself and decreed that I would NOT appreciate any *&%%^$##@!!! pink anything. (I requested hats, instead).

My opinion has not changed. I'd not buy any SGK stuff, ever.

[Boudicca]

Also late to the party here, but and I signed up for these forums (after lurking for a while) just to answer this thread. I am also a survivor (horrible word), and I have participated in a number of extremely successful conquer cancer rides, with another one coming up in June. Hell, I even have pink "cancer sucks" socks to wear on them. But I won't buy stuff with the SKF logo, and I think TE selling that logo adds a political dimension to your sales that you might not want.

Do let us know what you decide.

[Susan Otcenas]

Do let us know what you decide.

It was a difficult decision, but ultimately we did decide to cancel the order. One of the reasons it was so difficult is that I personally don't have a strong negative feeling for Susan G Komen. In truth, I'm pretty ambivalent on the whole topic. While I abhor the politics that may have played into their decision to pull funding for Planned Parenthood, I also do feel that the org does a lot of good for people like Bridget and has passionate supporters like Pedal Wench.

No matter which way I go, I'm "taking sides" publicly, which is something I hate to do. I prefer TE be apolitical (even if I personally have very strong opinions on all kinds of things ;) I try not to share them publicly for obviously business reasons.) I suppose I could have made a very quiet decision to simply cancel the order and no one would have been the wiser, but I really value the opinion of all of you, and I didn't just want to *assume* that the overwhelming majority would feel one way or the other.

The broader discussion that you all have been having surrounding ways in which companies choose to support charities has been an interesting read as well. TE's charitable giving using to be somewhat haphazard at best. Then, in 2008, we became a member of 1% For the Planet. http://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/en/ We give 1% of SALES (not profits, but SALES) to environmental charities. That is a huge financial commitment for us. It's not a gimmick, and we don't sell any specific marked-up or overpriced merchandise associated with it. We simply give away 1% of everything that comes through the door. Its a great program for us and has really helped us frame our priorities as a company. If you've shopped with us, you may have noticed that on the checkout page after you process your order, you are given the chance to vote where YOUR 1% goes. There's a list of all the organizations we support, and you can decide where we send the 1%.

So, while we won't be supporting the SGK program through the vendor's apparel, I hope it's nonetheless clear that we're still trying to be a conscientious member of the community. :)

[Pedal Wench]

One can only respect the time and effort it took to reach your decision. Trust me, I put my money where my mouth is ALL the time, and I tend to support quite a few different charities. To be honest, buying a jersey wouldn't contribute much, so I will donate to SGK, Planned Parenthood, and anyone else I personally find deserving. Everyone should do the same.

For the vast, vast, vast majority of y'all who don't want anything to do with SGK, please consider donating to some other breast cancer charity. Do your homework and find one you consider worthy. Everyone deserves a lifetime.

[jobob]

Thoughtful discussions like these make me proud to be a part of the TE community. It's a privilege to know you ladies (albeit virtually, for the most part).

Just sayin'. :cool:

[salsabike]

I hope it's nonetheless clear that we're still trying to be a conscientious member of the community. :)

It sure is, and we thank you wholeheartedly.

[OakLeaf]

It sure is, and we thank you wholeheartedly.

+ a million!

[maillotpois]

Then, in 2008, we became a member of 1% For the Planet. http://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/en/ We give 1% of SALES (not profits, but SALES) to environmental charities. That is a huge financial commitment for us. It's not a gimmick, and we don't sell any specific marked-up or overpriced merchandise associated with it. We simply give away 1% of everything that comes through the door.

So impressive! Thanks so much for doing this!!

[Pedal Wench]

Thoughtful discussions like these make me proud to be a part of the TE community. It's a privilege to know you ladies (albeit virtually, for the most part).

Just sayin'. :cool:

I was just talking about that too. I was very obviously in the minority, but felt that this was a great debate, and made me more firm in my conviction to support SOMETHING, ANYTHING, to make a difference.

I'd stopped checking in here for a while, but glad I came back!