It's capitalism awareness month!

A while ago, a reporter in my department got a press release for Jingle Jugs, a traveling museum of decorated boobs that ostensibly benefits breast cancer research. (“A portion of the proceeds will go to a local breast cancer program in your area.”) It irked her that breasts would be exploited in such a ridiculous way to raise money for something so serious.
If it weren’t for that, I may not have noticed the exploitation taking place in retail areas around my city. I went to Safeway today and was blown away by the companies attempting to capitalize on the public’s interest in helping a good cause. These products have been altered in some way to show that they’re special Breast Cancer Awareness Month products (in order to avoid copyright issues, I’ve generic-ized these):

• Coolers
• DVDs
• Breath mints
• Candles
• Crackers
• Freeze-dried coffee
• Safeway house brand water
• Detergent
• Breakfast cereal
• Small, round, chocolate candies

So it seems that manufacturers are hoping that if they paint something pink or put a ribbon on it, it’ll sell more because people can feel good about buying it. Doesn’t that seem like taking advantage of an awful situation? Why don’t they simply make a donation out of the goodness of their corporate hearts?
I may have just answered my own question.