Durham, NC (PressExposure) November 15, 2007 -- Casey Bastian, vice president of operations for area Panera Bread locations, announced today that the company raised $8,000 during its Pink Ribbon Bagel campaign for breast cancer awareness in October. Bastian presented a check Nov. 14 to Pam Blondin, executive director of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, NC Triangle Affiliate, at a campaign wrap-up event.

“So many of us have been affected in some way by breast cancer, said Bastian. “We are thrilled to do our part in fighting this disease.”

Throughout October, 12 Panera Bread locations in the Triangle and Pinehurst offered Pink Ribbon Bagels in honor of breast cancer awareness month. Twenty-five cents from the sale of each of these bagels, as well as monies collected from in-kind canisters at each location were included in the donation.

“Panera’s efforts in the breast cancer cause have been remarkable, said Blondin. “The relationship they have built with Komen for the Cure has been wonderful.”

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About Panera Bread

About Panera Bread:
Panera Bread serves fresh baked, handcrafted artisan breads, sweet and savory baked goods, hand-tossed salads, wholesome soups, and signature sandwiches in a distinctly warm and welcoming environment. Panera Bread is committed to using only the highest quality, fresh ingredients in the food we offer, and making a lasting contribution to the neighborhoods in which our customers and employees live and work through programs like Operation Dough-Nation. Headquartered in Richmond Heights, MO, Panera Bread operates 1,105 bakery-cafes (459 company-owned and 646 franchised) as of August 24, 2007. For more information, visit http://www.panerabread.com.

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