Photo Release -- Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Names Lynda Houk Executive Director

FORT WAYNE, Ind., Feb. 3, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Board of Directors has named Lynda Houk Executive Director, effective today.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=30478

Houk has held the position of Vera Bradley Foundation Events Coordinator for nearly five years. In this position she executed two major annual fundraisers: Tickled Pink and the Vera Bradley Foundation Classic, the largest women's amateur golf and tennis charity event in the nation. Combined, these events raise over $1 million each year to support breast cancer research at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis, a nationally ranked cancer center.

"Lynda has demonstrated her dedication to the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer throughout the past five years, and we are excited to watch her lead the Foundation to even more success in the future," says Vera Bradley Foundation Board Chair, Patricia R. Miller. "We are very fortunate to have someone of Lynda's caliber, experience and passion fill this important role."

Houk has nearly 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, having worked for The American Red Cross and Rod Woodson Charities in the past.

About the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer:

The Foundation is celebrating its 17th year of funding the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Research Laboratories at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis. Since 1998, the Foundation has donated over $23 million, playing an integral role in changing the face of breast cancer research by supporting 22 labs and 36 researchers and clinicians who are leading major advancements in drug therapies and setting a world-wide standard. The Foundation receives funding through national events, a $1 million annual gift from Vera Bradley (Nasdaq:VRA), and through donations on verabradley.org.

The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.

CONTACT: Media Contact:

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