NEW YORK – September 30, 2003 – Famous female pop artist Debbie Brooks has partnered with the Avon Foundation to design 250 limited edition bags, with proceeds to benefit breast cancer research and care organizations nationwide. The first bag and original artwork will be donated to the Avon Foundation Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer Awards Celebration on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 at Tavern on the Green in New York City. The second bag will be presented to Jewel, who is performing at the benefit that evening.

The Debbie Brooks limited edition bags will retail for $300, with $100 from each purchase donated to the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade. Beginning October 2, 2003, Debbie Brooks bags will be sold at Henri Bendel, Animazing Gallery and Avon Salon & Spa in New York, Fred Segal in Los Angeles and online at debbiebrooks.com. Each bag will be hand signed and numbered by Debbie herself.

The collaboration with Avon began when Debbie was approached by a woman at a trunk show. The woman mentioned that she loved the bags because the motifs made her feel like she was somewhere else, but because she was currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer, she couldn’t afford to buy a bag. Debbie was immediately inspired to support the breast cancer cause and contacted the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, whose mission is to fund access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on the medically underserved.

Debbie has worked with other non-profit organizations, including Muscular Dystrophy Association, Dress for Success and the 2nd Annual Women Who Care Luncheon benefiting the United Cerebral Palsy of New York.

Crafted with exquisite attention to detail, Debbie Brooks bags are original works of art worthy of the buzz around town proclaiming their unprecedented look. Using acrylic and silk screen, the bright colors ranging from baby blue to deep magenta fervently merge together within the shapes and features of the pop cartoon silhouettes that Debbie has patented and perfected. The famous bags are worn by Sarah Jessica Parker, Michelle Pfeiffer, Cameron Diaz, Eve, Brittany Spears, Star Jones and other celebrities.

ABOUT THE AVON FOUNDATION
The Avon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, was founded in 1955 with a mission to improve the lives of women by supporting programs that offer economic opportunity and provide care and research for breast cancer in the U.S. and around the world.
In support of women’s health, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade 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, concerts and other marketing initiatives worldwide. Since 1992 the Avon Crusade has returned more than $250 million net to breast cancer research and care organizations worldwide.
This year’s Avon Foundation Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer Awards Celebration will honor leading women who have made a significant impact in the fight against breast cancer. Sponsorship package and ticket information is available from the Benefit Office at (646) 495-4922.