The fight against cancer is personal for Stanley Tanger, the founder of Tanger Factory Outlet Centers.

“His wife was diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Nancy Gray, the general manager of Tanger Outlet Center in Park City. “She is a breast cancer survivor.”

Since then, the organization has been committed to winning the battle by creating awareness and raising research funds.

This fall, in celebration of its 14th anniversary, Tanger will raise funds through Oct. 20 with the “Pink Card.”

Shoppers can purchase the 25 percent Pink Card with a $1 donation. The card will give shoppers a 25 percent discount at participating outlet stores at Tanger nationwide. The cards are available at the Tanger Customer Service Center and online at tangeroutlet.com. Proceeds from sale of the cards will benefit the American Cancer Society Great West Division through the Stanley K. Tanger Breast Cancer Fund.

“Every year we do something like this to support breast cancer research,” Gray said. “The new 25 percent Pink Cards give Tanger shoppers the chance to help make a difference in the fight while saving money on their purchases.”

There is a growing need for cancer research and funds. According to the American Cancery Society, in 2007, 178,480 women and 2,030 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and about 40,460 women and 450 men will die from the disease.

“It affects so many people,” Gray said. “There’s hardly anybody in the world that doesn’t know someone or is personally affected by breast cancer.”

Tanger has raised about $4.5 million in its 14-year history. Aside from supporting research, the money has helped create awareness for early detection and educational programs that improve the quality of life for patients and families.

The Pink Card isn’t the only way Tanger shoppers can fight breast cancer. They can also purchase a Tanger “Shop For a Cure” gift card during the 2007 Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. Tanger will donate 10 percent of the value of all gift cards purchased through Oct. 20. Gift cards are also available at the Tanger Customer Service Center and online at www.tangeroutlet.com.

Tanger has two causes that it donates to, Gray said.

“Local schools and breast cancer,” she said. “It’s something that Tanger believes in because it affects so many people. Tanger wants to make difference in its communities.”

The Tanger Outlet Stores are located at 6699 Landmark Drive. For more information, call 645-7078.