CHATSWORTH, Calif.—Several female Topco Sales employees took off their tops recently in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The diverse group of Tops Off participants represent several different company departments and assembled together to make a bold statement about a disease that impacts people from all walks of life.
The women posed together for group shots and individual portraits which can be seen in the Topco Sales Breast Cancer Awareness Photo Gallery. Many of the women are also posting the photos on their social networking sites and using them as a catalyst to stimulate interest and dialogue about breast cancer awareness.
“The idea came from similar breast cancer awareness campaigns. Several of us women became inspired to join together and do something in the same vein for such an important cause,” explained Desiree Duffie, director of marketing and public relations for Topco Sales.
“When Desiree told me about what she and the other women wanted to do I gave them my full respect and support. It is a noble gesture and I hope people will be motivated by the Tops Off participants. Everyone should do what they can, whether it is a donation of time, money, or taking a few moments to help spread awareness about breast cancer—it is all beneficial to the cause,” said Scott Tucker, president and CEO of Topco Sales. Tucker is funding a small grant to the Los Angeles affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation on behalf of the participants.
Topco's Tops Off participants who bared it for the photo shoot were: Alina, International Sales; Amy, Planning; Chinkee, Product Development; Cheryl, Private Label Sales; Desiree, Marketing and Public Relations; Liz, Domestic Sales; Justina, Product Development; and Miranda, Product Development.
The women have a variety of reasons for participating.
Miranda explained, “People who know me will tell you I’m not one to show a lot of skin. Hell I don’t even wear shorts in the summer! If this was something that moved me enough to bare my breasts to my co-workers—and then the world—maybe it will be enough to motivate others to be more involved in their own way.”
Liz commented, “I care about and support breast cancer awareness. I'm honored to have been surrounded by a wonderful group of women who came together for a great cause. I hope to inspire others to show their support as well.”
Chinkee said, “Taking my top off for this campaign was a huge step for me, but I did it for a great cause. I'm proud of what I did and I hope that everyone out there will help support this campaign like we Topco women did.”
For other participants, Tops Off is a way to encourage other women to be proactive in the fight against breast cancer. Cheryl stated, “It was an opportunity to illustrate my belief that breast cancer is not taboo to discuss and that self examinations are important. It took some courage for me, since I'm not a model, but this is small in comparison to the bravery shown by people fighting breast cancer and searching for a cure.”
Amy stated, “Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a good opportunity to encourage all women and friends to do self-exams and to get to know their bodies. It is very important that all women are not afraid to ask any questions relating to breast cancer and talk to their doctors in case that they feel that something is not right.”
Alina said, “I hope this inspires women to never miss their mammogram. I also hope it will contribute to an increase in donations towards the breast cancer research societies—especially from men who love to look at breasts—it is time to pay up, guys!”
Some of the motivating factors were more personal. Justina said, “A dear friend was diagnosed earlier this year with breast cancer and she has been such an inspiration; her strength, her grace, and her beauty. I feel like this is an exceptionally small task I can do to help every amazing, beautiful woman prevent and beat this disease.”
Though the adult industry is filled with nudity for the sake of titillation, this project purposefully brings women who work in the office into the spotlight. Topco Tops Off participants are not performers or models. They are professional women who stepped outside their comfort zone for a good cause and posed for a tasteful, yet evocative photo shoot.
Desiree explained, “In an industry where breasts are usually portrayed as objects with sexual connotations, I think our Tops Off statement resonates with exceptional veracity. The photography is artfully done and makes a group of regular women extraordinary. We hope this unique approach will capture attention—if it does then we've obtained our goal—which is simply to create awareness.”
Alina added, “Breasts mean much more than great cleavage. They are a symbol of motherhood, health and beauty for all women.”
In addition to the women who posed, several other Topco employees supported the Tops Off cause. From the Marketing and Public Relations department, Annalee was the photographer and Erica coordinated the photo shoot. Angela from the Art Department edited the images, and Jon from the Art Department assisted with the staging of the photography.
A special thank you goes to Lindsey Kaplan from StyleAndColor.Me for styling the hair of the Tops Off participants.
Topco Sales encourages others within the industry to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and invites visitors to learn more at TopcoSales.us/BreastCancerAwareness.
