ANN INC. Reaffirms Year-Round Commitment to Breast Cancer Research Innovation

NEW YORK, April 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2015, ANN INC., the parent Company of Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Lou & Grey, donated $4.65 million to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation^® (BCRF), continuing to fund 18 full-time research grants for the 2016-2017 grant period. These projects are currently tackling breast cancer from every angle, including lifestyle and prevention, metastasis, treatment, and survivorship. Since 2005, ANN INC. has donated more than $26 million to advance pioneering breast cancer research through more than 100 BCRF research grants. ANN INC. hopes to raise these numbers even higher through Ann Taylor's annual spring campaign benefitting BCRF.

"As a company with a strong giving culture that is focused on supporting women in every facet of their lives, we are committed to advancing women's health and wellbeing, particularly when it comes to the fight against breast cancer," said Gary Muto, President and CEO of ANN INC. "Our clients' and associates' longstanding commitment to the cause has deepened our partnership with BCRF and enabled us to fund leading and innovative researchers that are getting us closer to finding a cure. We look forward to partnering with them once again this spring to create an even bigger impact."

The Company will support BCRF through the sale of Ann Taylor Cares Cards at Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Factory stores. Ninety percent of the cards' purchase price will be donated to BCRF and those who purchase the card will receive a special discount in stores through May 30, 2016.

"ANN INC.'s unwavering, year-round commitment to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation helps bridge the gap between today and finding a cure. We are so grateful for their continued partnership," said Myra Biblowit, President of BCRF. "With ANN INC.'s support, our researchers will make a difference in the future of our mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends."

Ann Taylor has also created a special jewelry collection, which includes rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The Limited Edition Collection is available for purchase in-store and online through June 16, 2016 and 50% of the purchase price will be donated directly to BCRF.

For more information, please visit ANNcares.com.

About ANN INC.
ANN INC. is a subsidiary of ascena retail group, inc. ASNA, and the parent company of Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Lou & Grey. As of January 23, 2016, the Company operated 1,027 Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory, LOFT, LOFT Outlet and Lou & Grey stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada. Our brands are also available online in more than 100 countries worldwide at AnnTaylor.com, LOFT.com, Louandgrey.com or at our LOFT franchise stores in Mexico.

About the Breast Cancer Research Foundation®
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) is committed to being the end of breast cancer by advancing the world's most promising research. Founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, BCRF-funded investigators have been deeply involved in every major breakthrough in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. This year, BCRF is investing $54 million to support the work of 240 scientists at leading medical and academic institutions across 13 countries, making BCRF the largest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide.   By committing 91 cents of every dollar directly to its mission, BCRF remains one of the nation's most fiscally responsible nonprofits. BCRF is the only breast cancer organization in the US with an "A+" from CharityWatch and has been awarded Charity Navigator's highest rating of four stars 13 times since 2002. Visit www.bcrfcure.org to learn more.

The Ann Taylor Cares Card
Those who purchase a $25 Ann Taylor Cares Card will receive 20% off purchases of $100 or more every time they shop, or 25% off if using an Ann Taylor Card or LOVELOFT Card, at Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Factory Stores from April 25 through May 30, 2016. 90% of the card's purchase price will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Visit http://www.anntaylor.com/bcrf-lp/cat610010 to learn more.

Ann Taylor Limited Edition Collection
This spring, the Limited Edition A.T. Cares Collection will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. From April 25 through June 16, 2015, Ann Taylor will donate 50% of the purchase price of the crystal statement necklace ($89.50), large crystal statement ring ($29.50), crystal statement ring ($29.50), small crystal statement ring ($29.50), crystal stretch bracelet ($49.50), crystal statement earrings ($39.50), and crystal stud earrings ($29.50) to BCRF. The collection is available at Ann Taylor stores and online at anntaylor.com.

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SOURCE ANN INC.