Rockford, Illinois-based The Caldwell Group Inc. will lead a series of initiatives this fall to raise money for breast cancer charities, including offering its most popular beam in pink.

The manufacturer of material handling and rigging equipment, has made its Model 20 low headroom lifting beam available in pink, when ordered in lengths up to 10 ft. The adjustable beam is available in various capacities (0.5 tons to 40 tons) and spreads (3 ft. to 18 ft.) with an additional option to add pink paint for a donation of $100. The concept was developed by Doug Stitt, the company’s president and CEO—and his connection to the cause is a personal one. 

“Like many families, mine has been touched by breast cancer,” said Stitt. “Breast cancer is the reason I’ve largely grown up and spent my life without a mom, and my kids missed out on the best grandmother that ever would have been. My mom contracted breast cancer just before my 16th birthday. I wanted to find a way to raise money for continued research and support. When I brought the idea up, my team responded enthusiastically—and I hope our distributor and industry network will too.”

Lisa Sympson, marketing manager at Caldwell, said: “Any [Model 20] beam up to 10 ft. long ships for free, so it is quick and easy to calculate an end-price that incorporates the donation. Just ask for the pink beam, and we’ll add a $100 donation to your invoice. The full $100 will go directly to the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign.” 

Of course, these beams remain world-class, below-the-hook products and comply with relevant ASME standards. Caldwell has shipped approx. 1,100 units so far this year and continues to ship 30 per week, albeit in all lengths. Model 20 beams in 6 ft. and longer have three spreads, while 3 ft. and 4 ft. beams have only two. Swivel hooks with latches come as standard.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month in the U.S. and pink is its signature color. Caldwell is hoping that its efforts will strike a chord with employees and distributor and industry partners alike. 

“The pink beam concept might prove to be the most iconic thing we’re doing, but it is just one part of our overall plan. Our whole team is behind the fundraising effort that starts in September and goes through October,” said Sympson. “We will put donation jars around our facilities, sell pink ribbon / Caldwell t-shirts, and take part in a local 5k fundraising walk / run. Plans are even afoot to arrange for a [Caldwell] team to carry a pink lifting beam around the course.”

Per the American Cancer Society, 290,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, making it the second most prevalent form of cancer for women, behind only skin cancer. While breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American women, more than 3.8 million are breast cancer survivors. 

“It is a timely moment to show support for this ever-worthy cause—order your beams today,” added Sympson.

Caption: The concept was developed by Doug Stitt, president and CEO, The Caldwell Group, pictured with a pink Model 20 low headroom lifting beam.

Caption: The adjustable beam is available in various capacities (0.5 tons to 40 tons) and spreads (3 ft. to 18 ft.) with an additional option to add pink paint for a donation of $100.

Contact for editorial inquiries: Lisa Sympson, lsympson@caldwellinc.com