Hooters’ Breast Cancer Advocacy Is Just One Way We Give Back

At Hooters, we know that our franchise owners value giving back to their communities and spreading awareness about important causes, which is why we’re committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others. Breast cancer advocacy is something that is close to our hearts, and we have been involved in the fight against this disease for many years. 

Breast cancer affects millions of women globally. That's why we’ve partnered with numerous breast cancer organizations and established the Hooters Community Endowment Fund (HOO.C.E.F.), which supports breast cancer research and education.

The Importance of Breast Cancer Awareness and Early Detection

Breast cancer is a widespread disease that impacts countless women across the globe. According to the World Health Organization, this cancer is the most common among women, and it’s estimated that 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer globally in 2020. 

Early detection and treatment are crucial in the fight against breast cancer, and it is essential to spread awareness and educate communities on the importance of regular mammograms and self-exams.

Hooters and Breast Cancer Advocacy

Aside from our empowering women in business initiative, we are also involved in breast cancer advocacy started in 2008 when we partnered with the American Cancer Society to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. We launched the "Give A Hoot" campaign, which included selling limited edition pink Hooters merchandise, donating a portion of our sales to the American Cancer Society, and hosting fundraising events at our restaurants.

In 1993, we established the HOO.C.E.F., which supports breast cancer research and education. The fund is managed by the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, and 100% of the proceeds go to breast cancer initiatives. We have since added other important causes, including pediatric cancer research and awareness and military support, aiming to support the families of military veterans. 

We host several events throughout the year to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research and education. One of our signature events is the annual Hooters International Pageant, where a portion of the proceeds goes to HOO.C.E.F. We also partner with organizations such as the V Foundation for Cancer Research and the National Breast Cancer Foundation to support their goals and initiatives.

Hooters partnered with the V Foundation for Cancer Research in 2006 and established a $2 million Breast Cancer Research Grant in the name of Kelly Jo Dowd. Kelly was a symbol of the fight against breast cancer and the 1998 Hooters Calendar Cover Girl. Sadly, she spent the last years of her life battling this disease. 

The grant was established to honor her legacy and support breast cancer research efforts. Through this grant, we continue to support cutting-edge research and provide resources to those who are fighting breast cancer. We are proud to have played a role in honoring Kelly's memory and supporting the fight against breast cancer.

Hooters and Our Commitment to Empowering Women in Business

Our commitment to the people around us doesn’t stop with breast cancer awareness; we are also heavily involved in empowering women in business, especially our Hooters Girls™. 

Hooters Girls™ are an iconic symbol of the Hooters brand, and they possess skills beyond serving and entertaining! At Hooters, our Girls undergo a thorough and comprehensive training and development program that equips them with valuable skills that are applicable in both their professional and personal lives.

Our training programs are designed to help our Girls develop important skills, including customer service, communication, and teamwork, which enables them to excel both at and outside the workplace. Moreover, we offer flexible work schedules to ensure a satisfying work-life balance, allowing our Girls to focus on their personal commitments such as family, school, volunteer activities, and more.

At Hooters, we believe in creating a positive and supportive work environment that fosters teamwork and collaboration. We go above and beyond to promote our Girls' well-being with employee assistance programs and mental health resources in place.

Furthermore, Hooters Girls™ have opportunities for professional growth within the company, with the chance to become trainers, managers, or even move up in the corporate ranks of our brand. Our most impactful initiative is the tuition assistance program, which enables our Girls to further their education and achieve their career aspirations.

Hooters is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others, especially when it comes to advocating for breast cancer awareness and empowering women in the workplace. By fostering a positive and supportive work environment, Hooters continues to make a difference in our communities and beyond.

Are you ready to make a difference with Hooters? We are seeking franchisees who value community involvement and social responsibility! Contact us today to join our family!