Caring Causes - Baribault Jewelers

 Baribault Jewelers is reminding breast cancer fighters, survivors, and supporters to “B Strong” in their battle with the disease that affects 326.7 million people in the United States.  Specifically, the third generation, family-owned jewelry company is hosting a monthlong campaign in its Glastonbury store and online that benefits both the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative (CTBHI) and Breast Friends Fund (BFF), two local charities in which every dollar raised directly assists people diagnosed with the disease. 

“Nearly every person in America has been affected on a personal level by breast cancer,” said Christina Baribault-Ortiz, co-owner of Baribault Jewelers.  “This cause is very near and dear to our heart, this is the ideal time to up the ante and raise as much money as possible to hopefully and finally find a cure!”

Baribault-Ortiz explains that the company will host two Think Pink Fundraising Nights in October during which 20% of the proceeds will be donated to local breast cancer charities.  The first on Thursday, October 19^th from 5 to 7 p.m. will benefit the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative and inventory sold on Thursday, October 26^th from 5 to 7 p.m. will benefit Breast Friends Fund.  Additionally, the company is offering an exclusive “B Strong” bracelet in its popular  The Power to B.com collection in which 20% of proceeds raised throughout the entire month of October will support the Breast Friends Fund.

“As a family which has been in business for 75 years, we always heed the call of customers, friends and neighbors in need,” adds Raeann Baribault-Schwartz, co-owner of Baribault Jewelers.  “We are happy and grateful to use the power of this line to shine a spotlight on the urgency to find treatments and a cure for breast cancer.”

Baribault-Schwartz explains that it was BFF’s Founder Sandy Cassanelli, a metastatic-or stage 4 breast cancer survivor for the past eight years, who was the inspiration for the jeweler to create the “B Strong” bracelet. 

“We stand by and support Sandy’s commitment to find a cure for metastatic breast cancer and wholeheartedly admire her constant, positive spirit and unwavering determination to raise awareness for this particular type of breast cancer,” said Baribault-Ortiz.

The Power to B bracelets encourage its wearers to B Strong, B Fierce, B Badass, B Limitless, B Fearless, B Grateful, Be Blessed, B Brave, B Present, B Kind and B You by linking the cursive phrases with a black cord or chain.  The bracelets, which retail at an affordable $88 are available at Baribault Jewelers’ store located at 81 Rankin Road in Glastonbury, online at The Power to B website and at Water Street Jewelers in Guilford and Madison, CT.

For more information, visit www.baribaultjewelers.com or www.thepowertob.com.

About Baribault Jewelers

Since 1948, Baribault Jewelers has been guided by its core values of authenticity, integrity, service, gratitude, courage, trust and respect in providing sterling service to its local, statewide and national clientele.  While styles come and go, the mission of the family business has always been to help its valued customers create beautiful memories with the people they love.  Visit www.baribaultjewelers.com.

About the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative

The Connecticut Breast Health Initiative, Inc. is a statewide non-profit organization making a significant impact in the quest to find a cure for breast cancer by providing grants to support education and research in Connecticut.  Founded in 2004, the group’s underlying goal is to find answers with 100% of the money raised remaining in Connecticut.  To date, CT BHI has awarded $4.3 million in 107 grants to fund important breast cancer research and education projects in Connecticut. Each year, it strives to surpass this milestone with the help of its supporters, sponsors, and fundraising efforts.

About Breast Friends Fund

Sandy Cassarelli, a metastatic breast cancer survivor, created Breast Friends Fund (BFF) in 2016 as a fundraising initiative for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute with a goal of finding a cure for the Stage 4 disease.  All donated funds are earmarked "restricted" for Dr. Eric Winer, an internationally renowned metastatic breast cancer researcher, who is currently serving as Director of Yale Cancer Center and Physician-in-Chief of Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut.  Year to date BFF has raised over to $1,000,000 and growing each day.  To ensure that a cure is found, BFF is volunteer-run, and operating costs are personally funded by Craig & Sandy Cassanelli. Sandy and her family feel a sense of urgency when it comes to supporting Dr. Winer and his team in their effort to find treatments and a cure for breast cancer for the future of our daughters, sisters, nieces, mothers, aunts, and friends.  Visit www.breastfriendsfund.org for more information.