NEW YORK (February 2004) – This spring thaw out with Avon Products’ two new fundraising products to raise funds and awareness for the breast cancer cause. The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Pink Ribbon Necklace and Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Locket Keychain are the first new products to launch in the “pink ribbon” collection this year, with additional items to be unveiled in the fall to recognize National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“The Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade continues its mission of serving the needs and interests of women, and to have a lasting and significant impact in the fight against breast cancer,” said Kathleen Walas, president, Avon Foundation. “We are grateful for the ongoing support of Avon’s 600,000 independent Sales Representatives nationwide, their customers and the general public, who help us raise much needed funds for the breast cancer cause.”

About the New “Pink Ribbon” Products
The Avon Crusade Pink Ribbon Necklace is a ribbon pendant of pink rhinestones set in silvertone on a 16” silvertone chain (with 3” extender). Affordably priced at $7.50, the pendant necklace is a fashionable and elegant way to raise awareness for the cause. And if you are a breast cancer survivor, the sparkling accessory shows the world you courageously beat the disease.

The Avon Crusade Locket Keychain is heart-shaped with a brushed silvertone finish. Pink rhinestones with white rhinestone accents outline the Crusade’s signature pink ribbon design on the top of the locket. Affordably priced at $5.00, the keychain offers a unique keepsake for a loved one’s photo or special memento.

Each Crusade Pink Ribbon Necklace and Locket Keychain arrives with the new free Avon Foundation Breast Health Resource Guide, 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 avonfoundation.org.

Available exclusively from Avon beginning in April, both new fundraising products are meaningful gifts for yourself and those you love. The Avon Crusade Pink Ribbon Necklace and Locket Keychain may be conveniently purchased through Avon independent Sales Representatives nationwide, online at avonfoundation.org 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: awareness and education; screening and diagnosis; treatment; and support services, with a focus on reaching the medically underserved; and scientific research, including prevention and therapeutic vaccine studies. Beneficiaries range from leading cancer centers to community-based non-profit breast health programs.

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 estimated about 211,300 new cases of invasive breast cancer (stages I to IV) would 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. In 2003, about 40,200 people will have died 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 Foundation and Breast Cancer Crusade
The Avon Foundation, an accredited 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.

First launched in the U.K. in 1992, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, a program of the Avon Foundation, 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. To date the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade has returned more than $300,000,000 to the breast cancer cause 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; concerts, races and other special events around the world; the Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer global campaign; direct online fundraising; and the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series of weekend fundraising events in the U.S.

Join the Fight Against Breast Cancer
For information on the Avon Foundation and Breast Cancer Crusade, or to make an online donation, visit avonfoundation.org. To send a donation via mail, please mail a check payable to Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade to: Avon Foundation, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

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, visit avon.com. Net proceeds from sales of the Avon Walk product support the breast cancer cause.