About Circle of Hope Bracelets
Circle of Hope Bracelets is a community service organization that offers volunteers the opportunity to
raise money for the fight against cancer by making and selling bracelets. Profits from these activities are
donated to cancer causes particularly cancer research, education, treatment and care.
In 1999, the first bracelet was designed by jewelry maker Fran Lefrak-Brown. Fran, a breast cancer survivor,
made a commitment to donate all of the profits to causes that fight cancer. Sadly, Fran passed away in 2002;
however the organization continues to thrive today as a tribute to its founder. Each year it attracts hundreds
of volunteers and donates its profits to dozens of charities that provide cancer research, education, treatment
and care throughout the United States.
Each bracelet is handcrafted and features a combination of crystals, sterling silver and Bali beads and
is completed with two signature beaded dangles, designed to convey a message of hope, optimism, peace of mind,
and enthusiasm for life. Since 1999, Circle of Hope bracelets has sold more than 130,000 bracelets.
Anheuser-Busch’s Support
Anheuser-Busch employee Alice Bartels has been volunteering for Circle of Hope for several years. In her
first year as a volunteer, she coordinated a bracelet fundraiser which raised approximately $10,000 to support
the Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure. Anheuser-Busch recently supported Bartels’ efforts with an employee
volunteer grant.
“I have lost my father, sister-in-law, step father-in-law and four aunts to cancer. In addition, my husband,
sister-in-law and I are cancer survivors,” explains Bartels. “I wanted to work with an organization
that would support a variety of cancer causes and Circle of Hope has given me that opportunity. It is rewarding
to see that something as simple as a bracelet can do so much for so many people.”
The majority of the group’s revenues are derived from bracelet sales, so cost control is paramount for
the success of the program. The organization’s biggest expense is the purchase of materials used to make
bracelets. The grant Bartels received will assist with the cost of tools such as: crimpers, wire cutters, pin
cutters and needle-nosed pliers.
Impact
Since 1999, Circle of Hope Bracelets has donated more than $1.6 million to a variety of cancer charities
such as The American Cancer Society, Siteman Cancer Center, AMC Cancer Research Center, Susan G. Komen Breast
Cancer Foundations, Friends of Kids with Cancer, Camp Rainbow, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
In 2006, Circle of Hope committed to donate $100,000 during a three-year period to Siteman Cancer Center.
This donation will fund developmental research projects in the areas of breast, lung and prostate cancer. In
addition, the group donated $25,000 to the American Heart Association to partially fund a study at Washington
University School of Medicine for cardiovascular science/cancer research.