Hooters, with the incredible support of its loyal guests and restaurant staff teams, proudly raised approximately $605,112 during its annual “Give A Hoot” fundraising campaign in October for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, increasing the company’s overall campaign contribution total to an impressive $10 million. Proceeds generated from the campaign were presented to the V Foundation for Cancer Research during the Jimmy V Basketball Classic at Madison Square Garden in New York on Dec. 10.
For more than a decade, the annual Give A Hoot campaign has directly benefitted the V Foundation for Cancer Research, one of the nation’s leading cancer research funding organizations, and other local beneficiaries through the Kelly Jo Dowd Breast Cancer Research Fund. Part of the Hooters Community Endowment Fund (HOO.C.E.F.), the Kelly Jo Dowd Breast Cancer Research Fund was created in honor of the late Kelly Jo Dowd, a beloved original Hooters Girl and the 1995 Hooters Calendar Cover Girl.
“The dedication and generosity shown by Hooters through their Give A Hoot campaign have an incredible impact on the fight against breast cancer,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation. “The courage and resilience of those affected by this disease inspire our work every day, and we are honored to stand together in this mission.”
This year, approximately 310,720 women in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer, with one in eight women facing the disease during their lifetime. With more than 18,000 Hooters Girls globally, many of whom have risen to the level of managers and executives, and a workforce made up of 70% women, Hooters is passionate about supporting women’s health and dedicating efforts to raising awareness and funds for breast cancer.
“Hooters is deeply committed to making a significant difference in the fight against breast cancer,” said Bruce Skala, Hooters chief marketing officer. “The Give A Hoot campaign unites our guests, team members and communities in a shared mission to support vital research and raise awareness. We are proud to partner with the V Foundation and look forward to another impactful year of giving.”
Throughout October, guests contributed to the cause by “pinking up” their checks, purchasing “pink drinks” with proceeds supporting the campaign, supporting fundraising events at their local stores and completing personalized endowment cards.
Supporters can continue contributing to the cause this holiday season by purchasing a Hooters 2025 calendar. For every calendar sold, Hooters donates $1 to the Give A Hoot fundraising effort, helping to make a meaningful impact in the fight against breast cancer.
Honoring Hooters’ very own Kelly Jo Dowd, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2007, the Give a Hoot campaign has raised millions to support the V Foundation as well as the Kelly Jo Dowd Breast Cancer Research Fund. These funds have supported various breast cancer research like therapeutic discovery, personalized cancer treatments and identification of stage-specific metastasis characteristics. Hooters’ annual fundraising effort supports Kelly Jo and advances her mission to educate all women, especially her 500,000 “sisters” consisting of current and former Hooters Girls, about the importance of early detection and prevention. Throughout her life, Kelly Jo courageously and selflessly became an advocate against cancer and her cause is remembered now more than ever with the continued work from Hooters.
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach, ESPN commentator and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The V Foundation has funded nearly $400 million in game-changing cancer research grants in North America through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations is awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to funding the best scientists to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. To learn more, visit v.org.
Although National Breast Cancer Awareness Month has ended, contributions can still be made online at Hooters.com/Give.