NEW YORK – October 22, 2003 – Kathleen Walas, President, Avon Foundation, announced today a gift of $1,000,000 to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund to aid the families of military personnel killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The new gift represents a portion of the nearly $3,000,000 raised through the sale of the special Avon Yellow Ribbon Pin by Avon Sales Representatives, who number some 600,000 in the U.S.

“We are proud to support the families of those who gave their lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom,” explained Walas. “Avon Sales Representatives have raised these millions of dollars one pin at a time, one dollar at a time. It is thanks to their dedication that the Avon Foundation is able to touch the lives of military spouses, partners, children and parents who are financially dependent upon the military personnel killed in the line of duty.”

The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund is a program of the Intrepid Foundation. Established in 2000, the mission of the Fund is to provide financial assistance to the families of military personnel lost in the performance of duty, and since its founding the Fund has supported some 300 families. The million dollar Avon Foundation gift will provide direct financial support to the spouses and children of military personnel lost in Iraqi conflict and other military operations around the world.
 
“On behalf of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and the families who will be helped, I want to thank the Avon Foundation and the Avon Sales Representatives for this extraordinary gift- the largest foundation gift we have ever received,” stated Bill White, President, Intrepid Foundation. “The need is great and this contribution represents significant progress towards reaching our goal of $15,000,000 to help every family who needs our support.”
 
The remaining funds raised by the Avon Yellow Ribbon Pin, which is priced at only $4.00, will be awarded to several other national relief and assistance organizations. Announcements of these gifts will be made in the coming weeks.

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 and their families by supporting programs that offer economic opportunity and provide care and research for breast cancer in the U.S. and 50 countries around the world. Funds are raised through a variety of events and grassroots fundraising initiatives, including the sale of special products by independent Avon Sales Representatives and at www.avon.com. For more information on the Avon Foundation please visit www.avonfoundation.org.

About the Intrepid Foundation
Established in 1982, the Intrepid Foundation provides oversight and administration of the Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum, a U.S. Armed Forces memorial, educational and charitable institution; the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and Fleet Week, an annual celebration honoring the men and women of the U.S. military. More information about the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund is available at www.intrepidmuseum.org/fallenheroes.