Hard Rock International Partners With Melissa Etheridge For Breast Cancer Awareness Month Pin

Hard Rock International Partners With Melissa Etheridge For Breast Cancer Awareness Month Pin

Limited Edition Collectable Hard Rock Pin to Benefit Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock International has joined forces with music icon Melissa Etheridge in an effort to raise money to aid in the fight against breast cancer. Through the proceeds of a special collector's edition Hard Rock Breast Cancer Awareness Pin, Hard Rock will donate 100% of net profits to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050927/NYTU041)

Beginning October 1, this unique and symbolic pin will be available in select Hard Rock International properties worldwide, including Cafes, Hotels, and Casinos, and on http://www.hardrock.com/ for $11. The pin features a pink ribbon around the neck of the guitar, and is one of many pins that Hard Rock offers. This is the sixth year that Hard Rock has supported breast cancer awareness programs, and the first partnership with a rock legend and breast cancer survivor.

"Having gone through my own personal journey with breast cancer I am honored to be a part of Hard Rock International's initiative to raise funds and awareness for the cause," said Melissa Etheridge. "We need to do everything in our power to eradicate this disease which affects millions of women and families around the world and I am grateful that Hard Rock International has chosen me to help them in their endeavor."

Etheridge has recorded eight albums over the course of her career. She has won the Grammy (R) Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance -- for the songs "Ain't It Heavy" in 1992 and "Come to My Window" in 1994. In 1996, she was honored with the prestigious ASCAP "Songwriter of the Year" award. In October 2004, Etheridge was diagnosed with breast cancer and has become a passionate advocate to eradicate the disease. At the 2005 Grammy (R) Awards, she made a return to the stage and performed a tribute to Janis Joplin. Etheridge was praised for her performance, which was considered one of the highlights of the show. The Kansas-born singer/songwriter has sold more than 30 million records and has a greatest hits collection entitled "Greatest Hits The Road Less Traveled," due to release October 4th.

"Hard Rock International was built upon rock music, partnerships with amazing artists, great food and its support of philanthropic causes," said Sean Dee, Chief Marketing Officer, Hard Rock International. "We are honored to join Melissa Etheridge, one of the most influential artists of our time, in funding research for the fight against breast cancer."

About Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation

The mission of the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation is to end breast cancer in ten years. The foundation identifies and supports areas of science showing the greatest promise in making strides against the disease, helping to foster the path for groundbreakers in the medical field. To learn more about the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, visit http://www.susanlovemdfoundation.org/.

About Hard Rock International

With 120 high-energy Hard Rock Cafes and 13 Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in more than 40 countries, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally-recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. Hard Rock International, Inc. is owned by The Rank Group Plc (NASDAQ:RANKY). For more information on Hard Rock, visit http://www.hardrock.com/.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050927/NYTU041 AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN6 PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: Hard Rock International

CONTACT: Brian Siemienas, of Hard Rock Cafe, +1-407-445-7625; or Deborah Sierchio, or Meredith Miesieski, both of Coyne PR, +1-973-316-1665

Web site: http://www.hardrock.com/ http://www.susanlovemdfoundation.org/

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