ELC UK & Ireland marks the 25th anniversary of the Pink Ribbon at Winfield House

Press Release, 9 Oct 2017

On Monday October 9 2017, Winfield House, the residence of the Ambassador of the United States of America to the Court of St. James’s lit up pink to honour the 25th Anniversary of The Estée Lauder Companies UK’s Breast Cancer Campaign (formerly known as The Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign) and the co-creation of the iconic pink ribbon by its visionary founder, the late Evelyn H. Lauder.

Robert Wood Johnson, Ambassador of the United States of America to the United Kingdom and his wife, Suzanne, hosted a reception at Winfield to mark the occasion, along with Evelyn’s son, William P. Lauder, Executive Chairman of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and Elizabeth Hurley, Global Ambassador for The Breast Cancer Campaign.

This comes on the same day that the 2017 Future Dreams Humanitarian Award was presented to William P. Lauder, in recognition of his mother’s pioneering work in breast cancer awareness and research.

William P. Lauder, Executive Chairman of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., continues to honour the legacy of his late mother and proudly champions The Campaign’s work worldwide stating: “Supporting the development of critical research, driving awareness, and helping to eliminate the cultural barriers that can prevent the identification and treatment of breast cancer have been our core Company focus since my mother Evelyn H. Lauder founded The Breast Cancer Campaign 25 years ago. I am continuously humbled and energized by the passion and care exhibited by our employees and the tireless dedication of our partners—whose work is getting us closer to a global cure each and every day. As a Company, our commitment has not and will not waver.”

Elizabeth Hurley, Global Ambassador for The Breast Cancer Campaign said: “Throughout my travels as Global Ambassador for The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign, I’ve seen the hope that advancing breast cancer research is bringing. I’ve seen first-hand the strength of those fighting breast cancer and the strength of friends and family who are supporting them in their fight, and I truly believe that together we can help turn the corner and bring breast cancer to an end.”

Robert Wood Johnson, Ambassador of the United States of America to the United Kingdom said: “The only way to tackle this disease is to get active and step forward. Together we can make something major happen. This organisation is one that is making something happen and tonight we honour 25 years of dedicated commitment to ending this disease.”

Philippe Warnery, Senior Vice-President/ General Manager, The Estée Lauder Companies UK & Ireland comments: “In 1992, there was no Pink Ribbon and very little awareness around breast cancer. Evelyn H. Lauder started a global movement and 25 years on it’s a remarkably different picture with advanced identification, treatments and survival rates. Along with our colleagues and partners around the globe, The Estee Lauder Companies UK & Ireland will continue its unwavering commitment so that together we can achieve our mission to create a breast cancer-free world.”

About the The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign 25th Anniversary:

25 years ago there was no pink ribbon. Women around the world were dying from breast cancer and there was very little discussion about it. Mrs. Lauder saw an urgent need to bring breast cancer to the forefront and put a spotlight on this world health issue. In 1992, she became a pioneer for the breast cancer movement, co-creating the pink ribbon and launching The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign (The Campaign). A year later, she founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF), a non-profit organization, to generate funding solely dedicated to breast cancer research. Today, the pink ribbon is the ubiquitous symbol of breast health and The Campaign is a global leading voice for breast cancer, igniting a worldwide movement that has funded innovative research and awareness, and inspired meaningful action.

To mark the 25th Anniversary, The Estée Lauder Companies has a new mission: to create a breast cancer-free world. A bold, thought-provoking visual of a tattered pink ribbon is being introduced, showing the wear and tear of 25 years of hard work, dedication and impact trying to cure this disease. It also represents the hope that in 25 years, there will be no need for a pink ribbon; breast cancer will be committed to the history books. The Campaign no longer carries the word “Awareness” as breast cancer now has the global spotlight it deserves, moving into the future with a new rally – it’s time to end breast cancer.

The Campaign is now active in more than 70 countries around the world, partnering with more than 60 regional organizations to address areas of most critical need. The Campaign has raised more than $70 million to support global research, education and medical services, funding 225 medical research grants through BCRF ($56 million from total funds raised). In 2017, BCRF invested more than £1 million in UK research, with nearly £10 million raised to date since The Campaign began. To date:

• Breast cancer mortality rates have decreased by 38% since the late 1980s
• Five-year survival rates are better than 90% when breast cancer is found early
• Treatments are being customized to a person’s type of breast cancer, as breast cancer was revealed to be not one disease, but several different types
• Surgery is not as invasive, and most women can have a lumpectomy and not a full breast removal (mastectomy)

The Estée Lauder Companies is launching global efforts to support The Campaign:

• Largest-ever one-year commitment of $8 million in financial contributions
• Illumination of buildings, monuments and landmarks worldwide in glowing pink lights to raise awareness of breast health – including Winfield House, London and the Eiffel Tower, Paris
• Release of a documentary short film, “Unraveling the Pink Ribbon: Creating a Breast Cancer-Free World,” directed by Sophy Holland, honouring Mrs. Lauder and highlighting progress made
• Distribution of informational brochures and pink ribbons at The Estée Lauder Companies’ beauty brand counters worldwide

In the UK the following brands of The Estée Lauder Companies will support The Campaign's mission: Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Bumble and bumble, Clinique, Darphin, Estée Lauder, Jo Malone London, La Mer,

Lab Series, Origins, Smashbox and Tom Ford Beauty. Each will contribute by selling Pink Ribbon Products or making donations to BCRF and/or other charitable organizations around the world. This assortment differs by country and organization.