NEW YORK (July 24, 2003) - Today, the Avon Foundation announced dates and locations for 2004 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer events, which raise funds for access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer. The scheduled events are:
 

Washington, D.C.,	May 1-2, 2004
Boston, MA	May 15-16, 2004
Chicago, IL	June 5-6, 2004
San Francisco, CA	July 10-11, 2004
Los Angeles, CA	September 11-12, 2004
New York, NY	October 2-3 , 2004

Registrations are now being accepted for all 2004 Avon Walk events, as well as the 2003 Los Angeles (September 6-7) and New York (September 20-21) events, at www.avonwalk.org or 1-877 WALK-AVON.

The non-competitive fundraising events are structured for all fitness levels, offering participants a choice of completing a marathon walk (26.2 miles) or a marathon and a half (39.1 miles) over a weekend.

“We are pleased to announce these events, as we prepare for the final two Walks in our inaugural season”, said Kathleen Walas, president, Avon Foundation. “Throughout the 2003 events, we have seen remarkable spirit, commitment and camaraderie, with thousands of people coming together for a weekend committed to a common goal. The Avon Foundation looks forward to building the Avon Walks and raising more awareness and funds for the breast cancer cause.”

The Avon Walks are produced by the Avon Foundation, an accredited 501(c)(3) public charity, which also oversees management and distribution of the funds raised. All 100% of the net proceeds from the Avon Walks are returned to the breast cancer cause nationwide to support breast cancer awareness, screening and diagnosis, treatment, support services and scientific research. Beneficiaries range from leading cancer centers to community-based non-profit breast health programs, with a focus on reaching the medically underserved.

For more than a decade, the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade has been raising significant funds and awareness for the breast cancer cause. In 10 years, the Avon Crusade has returned an unprecedented $250,000,000 to breast cancer research and care organizations worldwide.

About the Avon Walks
Each Avon Walk starts early on Saturday morning with an inspiring opening ceremony before the participants begin traveling the route. The first day offers an option of walking either 13.1 or 26.2 miles (half or full marathon distances) toward the Wellness Village, their home-away-from-home for the night. On Sunday, all walkers complete the final 13.1-mile route, returning to their point of origin and culminating in a closing ceremony celebration. Throughout the weekend, a dedicated all-volunteer crew cares for the walkers, ensuring their safety and supporting their needs. Each participating walker is required to raise a minimum of $1,800.

About the Avon Foundation & Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade
The Avon Foundation was founded in 1955 with a mission to improve the lives of women and their families. The Foundation supports programs that provide economic opportunity and physical and emotional well-being in the U.S. and around the world.
The first Avon breast cancer program began in the U.K. in 1992, and has expanded to 50 countries. Funds are raised through a wide variety of special events, product sales, walks, runs, concerts and other cause-marketing initiatives worldwide. The focus is on reaching medically underserved women, including minorities, the poor, elderly, under- and uninsured women, with a mission to fund access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer.

Learn More
To register to walk or crew, or to pledge financial support for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, visit www.avonwalk.org or call 1-877-WALK AVON for more information. To learn more about the Avon Foundation, visit www.avonfoundation.org. For information on the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade or to order "pink ribbon" products, visit www.avoncrusade.com, contact an Avon Sales Representative or call 1-800-FOR-AVON.