NEW YORK (August 18, 2003) - Look beautiful and help save lives this fall with Avon’s new fundraising products to raise funds and awareness for the breast cancer cause. The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Umbrella and a Cosmetics Case with a free Crusade Ultra Color Rich Renewable lipstick are the newest products to launch in the “pink ribbon” collection this year to celebrate the second decade of the Avon Crusade in the U.S.

Our new Crusade products are valuable additions to our collection, which raise funds to provide access to care for medically underserved women, including minorities, and those without adequate insurance,” said Kathleen Walas, president, Avon Foundation. “We have been funding breast cancer organizations for more than 10 years as part of our corporate commitment to women’s health, but the fight is not yet over, and Avon remains focused on raising lifesaving funds and awareness for the breast cancer cause. Our ongoing support ensures that many of the most vulnerable women nationwide receive parity in breast health medical care.”

About the New “Pink Ribbon” Products
Offering protection from the elements, the new Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Umbrella is fashionable, black nylon stylishly decorated with a border design featuring the Crusade’s signature pink ribbon, representing the universal symbol of the breast cancer cause. Affordably priced at $7.50, the umbrella is tri-fold with convenient automatic opening, protective sleeve and a handy wrist strap.

Stay organized and picture perfect with the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Cosmetics Case, a glossy, stylish black vinyl carry-all with the Crusade’s signature pink ribbon in a scattered pattern. The cosmetics case has a roomy interior and a zipper closure with pink satin ribbon pull. Affordably priced at $5.00, the cosmetics case comes with a free gift with purchase: an Avon Crusade Ultra Color Rich Renewable Lipstick, available in six fashionable shades: Crusade Pink, Faithful Heart, Strength, Triumph, Courageous Spirit and Inspirational Life.

Each Crusade Umbrella and Cosmetics Case arrives with the free Your Guide to Better Breast Health, which provides important information on breast cancer, early detection guidelines, a listing of medical and support resources, and a glossary of terms. The Guide is available in English and Spanish, and can also be printed in both languages directly from the website www.avoncrusade.com.

Available exclusively from Avon beginning in October, both new fundraising products are meaningful gifts for yourself or those you love and a way to show support for a vital cause. The Avon Crusade Umbrella and Cosmetics Case may be conveniently purchased through Avon independent Sales Representatives nationwide, online at www.avoncrusade.com or by calling 1-800-FOR-AVON. Both products return 100% of the net proceeds to support the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade mission to fund access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer. Funds are awarded to five vital areas of the breast cancer cause nationwide: for awareness, screening and diagnosis, treatment and support services, with a focus on reaching the medically underserved, as well as scientific research.

About Breast Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer is the most common cancer among women after nonmelanoma skin cancers, and is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. In 2003, the ACS estimates about 211,300 new cases of invasive breast cancer (stages I to IV) will be diagnosed among women in the U.S. In addition, carcinoma in situ (stage 0), which is noninvasive and the earliest form of breast cancer, is estimated to account for about 55,700 new cases each year. Breast cancer also occurs in men. This year, about 40,200 people will die of breast cancer in the U.S., including 400 men.

While researchers continue to seek the prevention and cure of breast cancer, early detection remains the best opportunity for successful treatment.

About the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade
First launched in the U.K. in 1992, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade expanded to the U.S. in 1993 and Avon now supports programs to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer in 50 countries around the globe. From 1992 through 2002, the Avon Crusade has returned an unprecedented $250,000,000 to breast cancer research and care organizations worldwide.

The wide range of Avon Breast Cancer Crusade fundraising programs include the sale of special Crusade “pink ribbon” products by Avon independent Sales Representatives, such as the new Avon Crusade Umbrella and Cosmetics Case; concerts, races and other special events around the world; the Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer global campaign; direct online fundraising; and the new Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series of weekend events in the U.S. Funds raised by the Avon Crusade in the U.S. are managed and disbursed by the Avon Foundation, an accredited 501(c)(3) public charity.

Join the Fight Against Breast Cancer
For information on the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade or to order “pink ribbon” products, contact an Avon independent Sales Representative, visit www.avoncrusade.com or call 1-800-FOR-AVON.

To register to walk, crew or volunteer for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, or to pledge financial support, visit www.avonwalk.org or call 1-877-WALK-AVON. To buy Avon Walk apparel and merchandise, including the new fashion watch and pendant necklace, visit www.avonwalk.org. Funds raised through sales of the Avon Walk product collection also support the breast cancer cause.

To make an online donation to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, visit www.avoncrusade.com. To send a donation via mail, please make your check out to Avon Breast Cancer Crusade and mail to: Avon Foundation, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105. For information on the Avon Foundation, visit www.avonfoundation.org.