MANDEVILLE, La., Sept. 18, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Painting with a Twist, the nation's largest Paint and Sip franchise, raised more than $47,000 during the month of July to benefit the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, nearly doubling the amount raised last year.
Through the company's Painting with a Purpose program, 50 local Painting with a Twist studios held charity events as part of the businesses' commitment to giving back through painting parties. Each location chose paintings that were specially selected for the event and 50 percent of the proceeds went towards breast cancer research. At certain locations, owners held auctions, raffles and sold paintings to raise even more money for the cause.
"For the second year in a row, we have been able to raise a notable amount of money and awareness for the Vera Bradley Foundation," said Cathy Deano, co-founder of Painting with a Twist. "Our entire support system – from the corporate office to the franchisees, employees and even our customers – played a vital role in making this year's event a success. We were able to raise money for a good cause, and we sure had fun while doing it."
At Painting with a Twist, people come together to experience a unique 'getaway' that includes friends, paint and the option to BYOB. Currently, the national franchise has nearly 100 studios in 19 states, making it the nation's largest Paint & Sip concept. Each month, franchisees from across the country hold painting fundraisers through the Painting with a Purpose program to benefit local charities. To date, the company has raised more than $675,000 in four years, $245,000 in 2012 alone.
"The Painting with a Purpose event is now the second largest event hosted by a charity partner," said Catherine Hill, executive director of the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer. "We are humbled and grateful for the enthusiasm and energy that the participating studios dedicated to the Vera Bradley Foundation."
The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer was founded by Vera Bradley owners Barbara Baekgaard and Patricia Miller in 1998. The organization has contributed $15 million to the world renowned research team in the Indiana University Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis. The team of researchers at the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Research Laboratories is making significant progress and gaining national recognition for their work in several areas of breast cancer research and awareness.
Impressive sales of the Vera Bradley breast cancer awareness colors generate part of this revenue, but another significant portion is the donors like Painting with a Twist and those that support their events.
About Painting with a Twist
Painting with a Twist, based in Mandeville, Louisiana is the leading Paint and Sip franchise with nearly 100 locations throughout the United States. Founded in 2007 by Cathy Deano and Renee Maloney, Painting with a Twist began franchising in 2009 and provides customers with paint, a canvas and brushes that lead to a fun evening with friends and a finished piece of art. For more information about Painting with a Twist, visit www.paintingwithatwist.com.