Every three minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.
But there is hope.
Joan Bradley Reedy will offer living proof at the 23 South boutique in Morristown on Oct. 9, 2013.
Joan is the “brand ambassador” for the popular Vera Bradley line of women’s handbags and accessories. She also is a breast cancer survivor.
From noon to 2 pm, she will sign handbags, field questions about the company, take suggestions…and describe efforts of the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, which has raised nearly $17 million for research since 1998.
Every October, for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Vera Bradley creates a special line of handbags with a pink ribbon motif. These bags are available at 23 South, and a portion of the sale price will be donated to research.
Joan’s visit will include pink lemonade, raffles and giveaways. And any pink item in the place–regardless of the brand–will be discounted by 10 percent, with the shop donating a like amount to the Vera Bradley Foundation, said shop co-owner Barry Goffin.
Throughout October, visitors to 23 South also will receive free breast cancer lapel pins, while supplies last.
“We want everyone to be seen with these pins on their lapels all month, and everyone that sees them to say, ‘I support this,'” said Barry, who runs 23 South with his wife, Marilyn. “Breast cancer affects everyone. Every single family is affected.”
In addition to Joan’s personal story, guests on Oct. 9 should find inspiration in the Vera Bradley story.
The company’s namesake is Joan’s late mother; its co-founder is Joan’s sister, Barbara Bradley Baekgaard.
In 1982, Barbara and her friend Patricia Miller were awaiting a flight in Atlanta and noted a dearth of feminine-looking luggage. Soon they concocted their own line. Today, the Indiana company employs more than 1,400 people and has annual sales of half a billion dollars.
MEET JOAN BRADLEY REEDY
Vera Bradley ‘Brand Ambassador’
Oct. 9, 2013, from noon to 2 pm
23 South St., Morristown
973-590-2500
