Hard Rock International Celebrates 23rd Annual PINKTOBER Campaign by Partnering with World-Renowned Chef Dominique Crenn
Hard Rock Cafes, Hotels and Casinos worldwide to support American Cancer Society and local charities nationwide with unique partnerships and activations throughout October
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Hard Rock International continues to support breast cancer awareness and research with its 23rd annual PINKTOBER campaign. Taking place throughout the month of October, Hard Rock locations around the world are participating in fundraising efforts supporting the Hard Rock Heals Foundation®, the charitable arm of Hard Rock®, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society and local charities. Hard Rock has donated millions of dollars toward breast cancer research over the last 22 years of the PINKTOBER campaign. Last year, Hard Rock raised over $700,000, representing the largest amount the company has fundraised since the inception of the program back in 2000.
Kicking off this year’s PINKTOBER activations is a special partnership and highly-anticipated dinner series with world-renowned chef and breast cancer survivor Dominique Crenn. Hard Rock will also offer PINKTOBER limited-edition menu items, specially designed merchandise, a song writing contest and more.
“It’s with great honor and pride that Hard Rock International supports those affected by breast cancer across the globe with our 23rd annual PINKTOBER. All is One is a Hard Rock motto that we are thrilled to see come to life each year through our work with American Cancer Society, community members, team members and local charities, benefitting such an important cause,” said Jon Lucas, Chief Operating Officer of Hard Rock International. “This year, we’re proud to partner with Chef Dominique Crenn, a breast cancer survivor, who shares our passion in raising awareness and giving back to local charities and communities.”
Partnership with Chef Dominique Crenn
This year, Hard Rock is teaming up with world-renowned French Chef and breast cancer survivor, Dominique Crenn, who is currently the only female chef in the United States to attain three Michelin Stars for her restaurant Atelier Crenn, in San Francisco, California. In partnership with Crenn, Hard Rock will create a limited-time menu item of Baja Style Shrimp Tacos exclusively available at Hard Rock Cafes around the world, with a portion of proceeds donated to a local charity chosen by the Cafes. Crenn will also host a curated dinner series kicking off at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood on October 4, followed by a special dinner at Hard Rock Hotel New York on October 7. Invited guests include fellow breast cancer survivors, caretakers and American Cancer Society supporters.
Limited-Edition PINKTOBER Merchandise
Hard Rock International is offering uniquely designed, limited-edition merchandise in support of breast cancer awareness and research, which includes a PINKTOBER-themed Hard Rock t-shirt, hat, water bottle, tote bag and a newly designed PINKTOBER pin. Through the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, a percentage of all proceeds will go to charities that help raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
Additionally, in partnership with Crenn, Hard Rock will produce special pink chef coats, adorned with a breast cancer awareness ribbon and the headline Stronger Together, for all Cafe head chefs to wear during PINKTOBER.
Song Writing Contest with David Correy
This year, Hard Rock will build upon the “Stay Strong” mantra and inspire supporters to “Find Your Fight Song.” Through the power of music, Hard Rock will look to uplift those battling breast cancer, celebrate survivors, and remember loved ones by creating the ultimate “PINKTOBER Anthem.” Fans are invited to participate in the contest by sharing their stories on Instagram and writing original lyrics that will be curated for inclusion in the anthem written in collaboration with recording artists David Correy. David Correy is an internationally known recording artist who lost his mother to cancer in 2020. He has since been an outspoken advocate for strength and support. A grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 prize and donation of equal value in their name to American Cancer Society. Additional contest details will be available on the @hardrockhotels Instagram channel throughout the month of October.
Seminole Gaming Everi Kiosk Donations
Additionally, throughout October, Seminole Gaming patrons can donate the change from redeemed gaming vouchers at any Everi full-service kiosk across the casino floor. All donations at the Everi kiosks will benefit American Cancer Society throughout the month.
Hotel Activations
To celebrate the month and the unwavering strength of breast cancer survivors, two Pink co-branded Fender guitars will be delivered to all Hard Rock Hotels to be used as part of the Sound of Your Stay program. Guests can check out the guitars which will each include a QR code for use to easily make a donation and discover more ways they can support the fight against breast cancer.
In addition, select hotel guestrooms will have a “Pretty in Pink” design complete with pink sheets, towels and more. Ten percent of the revenue from these rooms will support breast cancer awareness. To top it off, participating hotels will offer specialized spa treatments like pink manicures and custom pink cocktails, where a portion of the proceeds will be donated.
Hard Rock Dice Party Donations
In honor of PINKTOBER, players on Hard Rock Digital’s free “Hard Rock Dice Party” game will determine how much is donated to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation by the number of matches played in October. The more matches played throughout the month, the more the donation amount increases, starting at $1,000 and increasing based on the aggregate number of community matches played up to $5,000. Hard Rock Dice Party’s host will also be wearing PINKTOBER merch to build awareness for the campaign.
All company divisions including Hard Rock Cafes, Hotels and Casinos worldwide are partaking in the campaign with local events. Community members who want to show their support and participate in PINKTOBER can visit their local Hard Rock location and take part in fundraising activations benefiting American Cancer Society and local charity partners from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31, 2022.
For more information on Hard Rock International and how you can support PINKTOBER visit www.hardrock.com/pinktober.
About Hard Rock Heals Foundation®
The Hard Rock Heals Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization and oversees all philanthropic outreach for Hard Rock International. Music is energy; it stirs emotion, inspires, connects, and restores. The Hard Rock Heals Foundation exists to improve lives through the power of music. Since its inception in 1971, Hard Rock International has brought people together through the power of music. We have developed partnerships with artists ranging from emerging to iconic in support of charitable efforts around the world. The Hard Rock Heals Foundation provides grants and assistance to individuals whose goal is to heal through the power of music. Partnerships with like-minded, music-centric organizations allow Hard Rock Heals Foundation the opportunity to improve lives and promote wellness.
About Dominique Crenn
Growing up in Brittany, France, Dominique Crenn developed a keen interest in cuisine from her parents, who celebrated fine dining. Driven by her passion to create a deeply personal project, Dominique Crenn opened Atelier Crenn, a place to express her heritage as well as an ode to “poetic culinaria,” Crenn is the owner and chef of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, where artistry is at the forefront, cuisine is a craft, and the community is an inspiration. “Atelier” can be defined as a workshop or studio, a concept that drives Chef Crenn’s modern vision for fine French cuisine. Dominique Crenn is a breast cancer survivor and an outspoken and active member of the international culinary community, promoting innovation, sustainability, and equality.
About Hard Rock®
Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in over 70 countries spanning 309 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues, and Cafes. HRI also launched a joint venture named Hard Rock Digital in 2020, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook, and internet gaming platform. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than 87,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe. In 2023, Hard Rock Hotels was honored by J.D. Power's North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study as the number one Upper Upscale Hotels brand in Outstanding Guest Satisfaction for the fourth time over the last five years. Hard Rock was also honored by Forbes among the World's Best Employers, as well as Best Employers for Women, Diversity and New Grads, Best Brands for Social Impact, Customer Service All-Star and a Top Large Employer in the Travel & Leisure, Gaming, and Entertainment Industry. HRI became the first privately-owned gaming company designated a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal in 2021, and has since been honored threefold. In the 2022 Global Gaming Awards, Hard Rock was named Land-Based Operator of the Year for the second time in four years. Hard Rock International currently holds investment grades from primary investment rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB) and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.
