In the pink

The pink ribbon symbolizes hope. Seen throughout the world, the ribbon and the color pink have come to represent support for those battling or who have battled breast cancer as well as raise awareness of the disease.

Your compassion and support don't have to be limited to just October as Americans observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month or by pinning a ribbon to your lapel. You can find items ranging from furniture to kitchen tools to decorative accents for your home that are both practical and inspirational -- and help raise funds for breast cancer research.

"My mom died of breast cancer when I was a kid and I always wanted to help out or give back. I was at a breast cancer fundraiser and, with tears streaming down from my eyes, I started sketching on a napkin," said Glenn Midnet, owner and CEO of the Naples, Fla.-based Design Group West, of the beginning of his Furniture for the Cure collection.

"I started with the cancer ribbon, then came up with a crude sketch of what is now the Alyce chair."

Named after his mother, the chair was the first piece in the collection. Midnet said each piece incorporates the awareness ribbon design and uses materials such as walnut wood for strength, silver leaf or brushed nickel for quiet beauty and stone to represent the individuality of each person.

In addition to being available in a pink material, the Alyce chair is being offered in black leather with a black finish. "It's for people like me who have a loved one affected by breast cancer but don't want a chair in pink," Midnet said.

The collection also includes a bar stool, dining table and buffet/console. Currently, Midnet said he is working on a desk that was inspired by a makeup vanity his mother used. He envisions it being used as a computer desk for the many women affected by the disease who choose to stay at home and live their lives through a computer.

"The whole inspiration behind this collection was that you could go on our website and, if you knew someone who was fighting this battle, you could send them one of these pieces right to their door," Midnet said. "It says you're not in this alone. It's more of a symbol of love and support. Not only does the money help find a cure, but it's an emotional uplift for someone who is battling cancer."

For details about the collection, visit www.furnitureforthecure.org.

Kitchen appliances and tools, as well as a special collection designed by Vera Wang are part of Kohl's Department Stores' women's health initiative. The Wisconsin-based retailer carries KitchenAid's Cook for the Cure line, which donates a portion of each purchase to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.

"By selling merchandise that supports the fight against breast cancer, we give our customers an easy way to support a cause that means so much to all of us," said Vicki Shamion, senior vice president of community relations and public relations.

Joining the fight against breast cancer this October is PartyLite, a direct seller of candles and home fragrance products. Through the sale of its Pink Scents of Illumination, the company has vowed to donate a minimum of $25,000 to the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Five percent of the sale of each candle will be donated.

Boxed with a pink ribbon and card for a personal message, the candle, priced at $32.95, also can be given as a gift for any woman who has been touched by the disease.

For details, visit www.partylite.com.