Delta Air Lines: Now Boarding for 2008 Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As a loyal Delta SkyMiles member, I was thrilled to see Delta Air Lines step up in the last four years to raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (bcrf). In 2007, Delta raised over half of its $1 million contributions to date. Some of last year's most popular fundraisers are returning for October 2008, including the onboard sale of pink lemonade for $2, with the proceeds going to BCRF.

Additionally, this year, as my SkyMiles newsletter just pointed out, Delta will donate 250 miles to BCRF through Oct. 31, 2008 every time a customer books a flight or checks in online at delta.com. Delta SkyMiles members also receive an additional 250 bonus miles. New Customers can register at delta.com/bcrf.

BCRF will use the miles to give to breast cancer patients and families in need as part of the Delta's SkyWish program.

From the Official Delta Air Lines Press Release:

Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Delta will sell its signature pink product – pink lemonade – on all Delta flights worldwide for $2 per glass with net proceeds benefiting BCRF. Delta will accept donations from passengers onboard with all proceeds benefiting BCRF. In addition, Delta flight attendants will don pink, including a limited-edition Pink Dress, patterned after Delta’s signature Richard Tyler-designed Red Dress and created to be worn exclusively during the month of October. Delta’s in-flight and airport customer service employees will also be able to purchase and wear pink turtlenecks, ties and pocket puffs with net proceeds benefiting BCRF. All employees will have the option to purchase specially-designed 2008 Delta and BCRF tee-shirts with some employee workgroups also pairing the tees with jeans each weekend during the month for a $5 donation to BCRF.

Since 2005, when Delta's signature pink-and-white Boeing 757 first took flight, Delta has raised nearly $1 million for BCRF through donations from customers, employees and The Delta Foundation, the airline’s charitable organization which supports the communities where Delta customers and employees live and work worldwide. Last year alone, Delta-related efforts raised $500,000. Since 2006, nearly 40 million miles have been donated to BCRF through the generosity of Delta’s SkyMiles members and the SkyWish program.

The distinctive aircraft, which has flown more than 10,000 miles throughout the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean to generate awareness for the cause, features BCRF's trademarked pink ribbon logo on the tail of the aircraft and adjacent to the boarding door.