Each October, Milliken associate Holly Lester does a poster/information drop off at design firms for breast cancer awareness month. Holly partnered with an associate from Antron this year to hand-make 150 baked goods, and a Milliken designer helped create the posters. The one day campaign touched more than 100 people! FCNews caught up with Holly to ask her about her efforts and what makes her think pink.
FCNews: Which design firms did you target with your breast cancer awareness campaign?
Holly: I targeted 13 design firms, all of which are in the Los Angeles/Orange County area. I work with them on an almost daily basis and know many of these firms and designers are regularly involved in charitable work, so I found it appropriate to reach out to them during breast cancer awareness month.
FCNews: How was the effort received?
Holly: I called ahead at each of the locations before setting up a display, and every firm was open and welcome to the idea.
At one office, a receptionist was actually moved to tears by the campaign.
FCNews: Did the people you were speaking with have any kind of preexisting awareness campaigns at their offices?
Holly: Not that I was aware of.
FCNews: What made you want to work for greater breast cancer awareness?
Holly: My mother and sister are both breast cancer survivors. I don’t know of one person who the disease doesn’t affect, and I try to spread the word to others about research and prevention any way I can.
FCNews: How does this personal effort make a difference for Milliken?
Holly: Breast cancer is a sensitive subject, but as a representative of Milliken, I tried to show that there are real people with real experiences behind the brand. At Milliken, we are encouraged to find ways to be part of improvement and become involved in our local communities. For me, personally, this campaign can help cross the boundaries of business, allowing me to share a personal side with my customers.
FCNews: How did Antron help you?
Holly: Jill Dougherty of Antron has partnered with me on similar campaigns, but this was her first year helping with the breast cancer awareness effort.
Jill was instrumental in the preparation and we worked together from 4 p.m. until midnight one night to make cakes to take into firms.
-Emily