Panera Bread is once again partnering with the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation during its 17th annual “Pink Ribbon Bagel” promotion. Throughout the month of October, to commemorate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a portion of proceeds from all Pink Ribbon Bagels sold in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts will go to the Pawtucket-based non-profit.

“The support we receive from Panera every year helps us to provide free programs and services to those affected by cancer. We truly appreciate their generosity,” said Maria Corcelli, Executive Director, Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation.

This is the sixth consecutive year that proceeds have benefited the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, whose mission is to provide education, access to wellness resources and support programs to those touched by cancer. Pink Ribbon Bagels are baked fresh daily in each Panera Bread café, formed by hand into a ribbon shape, and feature dried cherries, cranberries, vanilla, honey and brown sugar.

Participating Rhode Island and Massachusetts locations for the Gemma Pink Ribbon Bagel campaign are located in Cranston, East Greenwich, Lincoln, Newport, Providence, Smithfield, Wakefield, Warwick, and North Attleboro, Plainville and Seekonk, Mass.

These locations are among the 28 bakery-cafes owned and operated by leading franchisee, Howley Bread Group, LTD, based in Lincoln. Additional beneficiaries of the Pink Bagel promotion include the Connecticut Cancer Foundation. Sue Stees, one of Panera Bread’s first franchisees and a breast cancer survivor, developed the idea for the Pink Ribbon Bagel in 2001 as a way to help support the cause.