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October 30, 2006 marked
the sixth annual Avon Foundation Awards Celebration honoring leaders in the
causes of breast cancer and domestic violence at a gala at the New York State
Theater, Lincoln Center, in New York City. Co-hosts were Avon Chairman and CEO
Andrea Jung, and Carol Kurzig, Executive Director of the Avon Foundation, and
emcee for the event was Lynn Sherr, correspondent for ABC News’ 20/20.
The evening culminated with a rocking musical performance by Fantasia Barrino,
Grammy-nominated singer and third season winner of the hit television show
American Idol. Among the award presenters was Olympic figure skater Emily
Hughes, and a surprise special guest was Missy Elliott, Grammy Award-winning rap
and hip hop star, who joined the more than 600 attendees to enjoy the
performance.
Click here to view the photo gallery
The event also celebrated a major fundraising milestone: total funds raised
through Avon philanthropy worldwide reached an unprecedented $500 million.
Fundraising is through a wide variety of events, including the annual Awards
Celebration that has raised nearly $12 million since its inception in 2001, including this year’s
$2 million.
Prior to the awards and performance, guests enjoyed dinner on the Promenade
of the New York State Theater, which was transformed into a festive and elegant
garden complete with a scrollwork gate, towering trees, suspended paper globe
lanterns and pink centerpieces against a black and white decor. Guests also
participated in a spirited Silent Auction and Raffle for an array of unique and
luxurious prizes.
Awards were presented to leaders in the causes of breast cancer and domestic
violence, including:
Medical Advancement in Breast Cancer Award to the Avon
Foundation-National Cancer Institute Progress for Patients program,
represented by Jorge Gomez, M.D., Ph.D., National Cancer Institute; Victoria Seewaldt, M.D., Duke Comprehensive
Cancer Center; and Eric P. Winer, M.D., Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute, Harvard Breast SPORE, who are among 93 who lead innovative research
under the auspices of the Progress for Patients program.
Voice of Change Award- John Quiñones, co-anchor of ABC News
Primetime, in special recognition of his "What Would You Do" series on
the reluctance of people to become involved or speak out against domestic
violence.
Women’s Empowerment Crusader Award to Avon Mexico, for taking a
public stand on the issue of domestic violence. Accepting the award were
Eduardo Ribeiro, Vice President Sales and Maria Eugenia Garcia Quen, Zone
Manager, Avon Mexico
Click here for photos from the 2006 Avon Foundation Awards Celebration.
Click here for the event press release.
Past Award Celebrations:
See how we celebrated the Avon Foundation 50th Anniversary at last year’s Awards Celebration by
clicking here. |
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