Lee National Denim Day is a fundraiser created by
Lee Jeans[1] to support the women's cancer programs of the
Entertainment Industry Foundation.[2] Every year, people are asked to donate the money they would spend on a pair of jeans to support breast cancer research and wellness programs. The beneficiary of the program is the
American Cancer Society.[3] It is celebrated on the first Friday of October.[4]
Program history
Lee National Denim Day has raised more than $83 million in the fight against breast cancer. In 2008, an estimated 800,000 individuals wore denim on Lee National Denim Day.
Celebrity spokespersons
1996 – Professional Basketball player
Rebecca Lobo, whose mother is a breast cancer survivor.
2000 – Actor
Rob Lowe, who later played
Sam Seaborn in the TV show The West Wing, was the first male spokesperson for the Lee National Denim Day. His grandmother and great-grandmother both suffered from
breast cancer.[7]
2008 – Actors
Chandra Wilson, who plays Dr. Miranda Bailey on Grey's Anatomy, and
Tim Daly, who plays Dr. Pete Wilder on
Private Practice, joined the campaign in support of loved ones who have struggled with the disease.
2009 – Actress
Christina Applegate, program ambassador in 2003, announced in May 2009 she was returning to support the campaign after suffering from breast cancer herself in 2008.[14]
2010 - Actress
Felicity Huffman, who plays Lynnette Scavo on Desperate Housewives, joined the campaign in support of loved ones who have struggled with the disease.
2011 -
Mike Rowe, creator, host and executive producer of Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe. His mother, Peggy, was diagnosed with breast cancer.