Westerlay Orchids Blooms, Raising $30,450 for Breast Cancer Research

Every October the country goes pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And Westerlay is no exception, using it as the perfect time to raise funds for research. This year, Westerlay partnered with Albertsons, Kroger, and Sobeys to donate $2 from every Pink Gemstone orchid sold, raising a total of $30,450 for cancer research. Each retailer chose just where the funds will go, directly impacting regional cancer centers and universities that are making a difference. 

“Breast cancer touches just about everyone, either directly or through a loved one,” says Westerlay president Toine Overgaag. “The Pink Gemstone is the perfect orchid to symbolize the hope that research brings.”

Breast Cancer Research Matters

Discovering treatment is more critical than ever. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime. In 2025, an estimated 316,950 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. An additional 59,080 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer will be diagnosed. 

Where the Money is Going

Albertsons, Kroger, and Sobeys were able to select and partner with esteemed research centers and universities in their local area. The Cancer Research centers benefiting from the funds include:

Albertsons: 

• Stanford Medicine

Morgan Creek Tropicals: 

• The BC Cancer Foundation 

Kroger: 

• The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

• The Keck School of Medicine at USC

• The University of Arizona Foundation - Ginny L. Clements Breast Cancer Research Institute 

• The University of Colorado Cancer Center

“At the heart of Westerlay, we want to share the beauty, love, and joy that an orchid can bring to someone's life, and create a meaningful impact,” says Overgaag.

Westerlay extends a heartfelt thank you to Albertsons, Kroger, and Sobeys for a successful partnership and for spreading hope for a better tomorrow.