TI employee Lawaine Fairchild-Jokiel participated in this year’s North Texas Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure as part of TI’s team. Photo courtesy of Anthony Bridges

Texas Instruments, its employees, contractors and friends raised more than $56,000 to help find a cure for breast cancer by participating in the North Texas Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, making it the largest contributor at this year's event.

TI employees raised more than $39,000 in donations, and TI made an additional corporate donation of $17,500.

TI also took home the award for the 2nd Largest Corporate team with 396 participants.

Participation and fundraising were up significantly over last year when 230 TI walkers raised a little more than $33,500.

"We were tickled pink at the participation from TI employees, friends and family," said Stephanie Johnson, co-chair of the TI Komen Race for the Cure. "Our participation level was up, and our fundraising exceeded last year. This is truly a companywide effort to make a difference through Komen."

More than 8,000 runners and walkers overall, including 1,200 survivors, participated in the event, which raises money for research and awareness about breast cancer — the most prevalent cancer in the world today with about 1.3 million people diagnosed annually.

Started in 1982, Komen for the Cure today is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. The annual North Texas event is one of two employee-driven walks that TI participates in at the corporate level. TI employees participate in Komen events in other communities around the world as well.

One of TI's team sponsors was the top individual fundraiser for the North Texas race, raising nearly $4,000 in donations. This is the second consecutive year that a TI team member has been the top fundraiser.

Along with the employee fundraising efforts, TI made a corporate donation of $17,500 to the North Texas Komen affiliate this year. The company also held on-site registration and fund raising events at various TI North Texas-area sites.

To help get employees into the spirit of the cause, TI promoted its "Real Men Wear Pink" video, featuring male employees holding up photos of their wives, mothers and daughters to raise awareness about the event. TI's Women's Initiative also hosted its first Think Pink pep rally prior to the event.

TI had nearly 400 participants and received the 2nd place award for Largest Corporate Team. Photo courtesy of Anthony Bridges