Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Kent County Hotels & Businesses Unite to Fight Breast Cancer

This February, local hotels and businesses will be rolling out the pink carpet to educate the community on breast cancer through Susan G. Komen West Michigan

Local hotels and businesses are taking action to end breast cancer by partnering with Susan G. Komen West Michigan for the entire month of February in an endeavor titled Experience Pink. Every 74 seconds, somewhere in the world, someone dies from breast cancer. Experience Pink will spread awareness and raise needed funds for the ongoing fight to end breast cancer.

Show the love – make an impact. The community is encouraged to enjoy a night out at one of the 16 participating Kent County hotels or 30 downtown businesses, knowing a portion of their evening will go towards funding grants to local hospitals and community organizations that provide breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs.

“Many families in Kent County are affected by breast cancer as well as many families coming into Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile,” states Doug Small, president Experience Grand Rapids. “Experience Pink is a great collaboration with Susan G. Komen and our tourism industry to give back to the community and help in the continued dedication to finding a cure and providing hope.”

“We are thrilled by the generosity of the community and being afforded the opportunity to bring awareness and an end to breast cancer. 75% of the funds raised by Susan G. Komen West Michigan stay right here in West Michigan, helping women who need it the most. It's a vital service for the 1 in 8 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime,” said Emma Powell, executive director of Susan G. Komen West Michigan.

“The JW Marriott considers it an honor to be taking part in this endeavor and as President of the Kent County Lodging Association we felt it was vital to do something to make a difference and bring the community together. I lost my mom to breast cancer and ever since then my family and I have been very passionate about making a difference. The Experience Pink event allows us all to create awareness, fundraise and change lives, together we are stronger,” said Brian Behler, director of Rooms at the JW Marriott.

“Downtown and its merchants are happy to support this important campaign that is working to end breast cancer and will welcome survivors and their families and friends to Grand Rapids. Our merchants will participate in several ways to show their support and turn the downtown pink,” said Nicole Weichelt, marketing coordinator for the Downtown Alliance.

“We are thrilled to be able to participate in Experience Pink by offering special discounts to breast cancer survivors while also collecting donations for Susan G. Komen West Michigan. We hope to see this campaign grow every year with more businesses and hotels participating,” said Gina VanGessel, owner of Gina’s Boutique.

For a list of participating hotels and businesses go to www.ExperienceGR.com/ExperiencePink. For more information on how you can join the fight to end breast cancer visit www.komenwestmichigan.org.


About Susan G. Komen West Michigan
The West Michigan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is dedicated to combating breast cancer at every front. Up to 75 percent of the Affiliate’s net income goes toward funding grants to local hospitals and community organizations that provide breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs for medically underserved women. The remaining net income (a minimum of 25 percent) supports the national Komen Grants Program, which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research, meritorious awards and educational and scientific programs around the world.

The Komen West Michigan Affiliate’s services area covers Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Ottawa counties. Thanks to the thousands of people who participate in the Susan G. Komen West Michigan Race for the Cure® and other Affiliate events each year, dedicated corporate partners and generous donors, Komen West Michigan is playing a vital role in fighting breast cancer in our community.

About Experience Grand Rapids the convention & visitors bureau
Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan located in the heart of Michigan’s West Coast. This destination provides a remarkable combination of urban sophistication and smalltown warmth in a region of abundant natural resources. Start your experience of Grand Rapids, Kent County and Michigan’s West Coast at www.ExperienceGR.com

Participating Hotels:
For a list of the packages the 16 participating hotels are offering go to, www.ExperienceGR.com/ExperiencePink.

1. Amway Grand Plaza
2. CityFlats Hotel
3. Comfort Inn Airport Grand Rapids
4. Courtyard by Marriott Downtown
5. Hilton Grand Rapids Airport
6. Holiday Inn – Grand Rapids Airport
7. Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown
8. Hyatt Place Grand Rapids - South
9. JW Marriott Grand Rapids
10. Peaches Bed & Breakfast
11. Prince Conference Center at Calvin College
12. Radisson Grand Rapids Riverfront Hotel
13. Ramada Plaza Hotel
14. Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids West
15. Springhill Suites North by Marriott

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