Businesses in the DeKalb area will donate a portion of their proceeds to various breast cancer charities, celebrating the 25th year of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Panera Bread, 2476 Sycamore Road in DeKalb, will do its part this October. Once again, the Pink Ribbon Bagel, a bagel shaped like an awareness ribbon, goes on sale for October.

“This year is actually our 10th anniversary of making the bagel available to customers,” said Ashley Bartel, marketing coordinator for Chicago Bread. “[Panera Bread] is donating 10 cents for every pink ribbon bagel sold for the entire month of October.”

All funds raised will go to Komen Chicago to fund breast cancer education, screening, treatment and research programs, Bartel said.

While 10 cents doesn’t seem like much, last year nearly two million Pink Ribbon Bagels were sold across the country, raising more than $75,000 for charity. Over seven million Pink Ribbon Bagels were sold since last October, according to a press release.

Jazzercise, 303-309 S. Ninth St. in DeKalb, will also donate $1 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for each new customer that signs up during October. This will be the first year Jazzercise has put on this event, but the group is familiar with donating to breast cancer charities. Last year, Jazzercise teamed up with Back in the Swing, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing awareness and raising money.

“It brings awareness,” said Tina Kott, class owner and instructor of Jazzercise. “[Breast cancer] hit home this last year, so we do what we can.”

Debutantes School of Cosmetology and Nail Technology, 145 N. Third St. in DeKalb, are will offer pink hair extensions and pink feathers for a reduced price in October.

“A little hint of pink helps spread awareness,” said Debutantes owner Becky Rogers.

In December 2006, Rogers’ mother Deb died from cancer, Debutantes was named in her honor.

“While she didn’t die of breast cancer, it still means a lot to us to try to spread awareness whenever possible,” Rogers said.

Students of the school are also happy to participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“People always seem to notice if you have an extension in your hair and they generally comment on it,” said Carrie Fredres, senior Debutantes cosmetology student. “Then what we do is explain that its for breast cancer awareness.”

To find out more ways to get involved, check out the following websites:

National Breast Cancer Month

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure