It’s the 20th anniversary of the Estee Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) campaign. ELC’s execs will kick off Breast Cancer Awareness month by ringing the Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange on October 1st — and, the Empire State Building’s lights will be pink.

This year, the campaign will celebrate the life and legacy of its founder, Evelyn H. Lauder — who also co-created the iconic Pink Ribbon symbol. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg will declare October 1st, 2012, as “The Estee Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign Day,” in honor of Lauder’s commitment to fighting the disease through education and by supporting medical research.

William P. Lauder, executive chairman, Estee Lauder Companies, stated: “I am honored to dedicate this year’s BCA campaign to my mother, Evelyn H. Lauder, a courageous pioneer who touched countless numbers of women and men with her breast health awareness message, raising millions of dollars to eradicate breast cancer from our lives. We also want to commemorate all those who have shown courage – whether personally facing breast cancer, bravely standing by a loved one afflicted with the disease or fearlessly spreading the word about breast health. We are proud to look back at the enormous progress that The Estee Lauder Companies has made over the last 20 years in educating millions of people globally about the importance of breast health and that early detection saves lives.”

ELC has also created an interactive exhibition, containing archived videos and photographs of the BCA campaign’s 20 year history, including the creation of the Pink Ribbon. The exhibit will be open to the public, and stationed in front of the GM building, on Fifth Ave. between 58th and 59th Streets; Oct. 1st – 3rd; 8 am – 7 pm.

Landmarks throughout the world will also be illuminated at different times throughout October, and actress Elizabeth Hurley will help promote some of these events. The landmarks include: The Oriental Pearl TV Tower in Shanghai; the British Museum in London; the Opera House in Paris; Montenapoleaone Street in Milan; the Ayala Museum in Makati City, Philippines; the Air Traffic Control Tower at John F. Kennedy International Airport and The New York Stock Exchange in New York City; and others around the world.