New York, NY, July 29, 2005 – The Avon Foundation recently announced the 2005 recipients of its annual scholarship program, with total awards of $553,000 to 237 students. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Avon Foundation, which launched in 1955 with an initial single scholarship of $400 and has grown to a leader in women’s empowerment and health.

The annual Avon Foundation scholarships range from $1,000 to $20,000 and must be applied towards enrollment in an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational school on a full-time basis. Avon independent Sales Representatives and Associates, as well as children and grandchildren of Representatives and Associates, are eligible to receive scholarships

The James E. Preston Community Service Scholarship
The prestigious James E. Preston Community Service Scholarship of $20,000 was awarded to Christopher Kim, the son of Seung Kim of Morton Grove, IL. The James E. Preston scholarship, named for a past Avon Chairman and CEO, is awarded annually to the son or daughter of an Avon associate who meets academic selection standards and demonstrates exemplary community service experience.

President’s Club Scholarship
The President’s Club Scholarship is available to children and grandchildren of Avon independent Sales Representatives who are members of Avon’s President’s Club, which encompasses top selling Representatives who maintain annual sales levels of $10,100. One hundred recipients were awarded a 2005 President’s Club Scholarship in the amount of $2,000.
* List of recipients available upon request.

The Representatives Scholarship
The Representatives Scholarship is designed to assist Avon independent Sales Representatives who are enrolled or plan to enroll in an undergraduate or graduate course of study leading to a degree in a field that allows for their career advancement. The scholarship helps Representatives continue their education to aid in future economic empowerment. This year 125 Representatives were awarded a scholarship in the amount of $1,000 for part-time studies and $2,000 for full-time studies.
* List of recipients available upon request.

Children of Associates Scholarship
The Children of Associates Scholarship was created by the Avon Foundation to support the development and well being of associates (employees) and their families. This scholarship is available to dependent children of current full-time U.S. or Puerto Rico-based associates of Avon Products, Inc. Eleven recipients were awarded a 2005 scholarship in the amount of $12,000 paid over four years.
* List of recipients available upon request.

“Avon takes great pride in recognizing the success of Avon Representatives and the children of Representatives and associates, and the Avon Foundation is pleased to support their educational and economic advancement,” says Kathleen Walas, President, Avon Foundation. “On behalf of Avon and the Avon Foundation, we wish each and everyone much continued success with their studies.”

Scholarship winners are chosen on the basis of academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community service activities, honors, work experience, and statement of goals and aspirations, as well as personal and family circumstances.

About the Avon Foundation
The Avon Foundation is an accredited 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women and their families. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Avon Foundation brings this mission to life through two key areas: breast cancer and women’s empowerment, including economic advancement and the issue of domestic violence. In the fight against breast cancer, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has raised more than $350 million worldwide for access to care and finding a cure. For the issue of domestic violence, the Avon Foundation launched the new Speak Out Against Domestic Violence initiative in 2004 to support awareness, education, direct services and prevention programs.

The founding principle and heritage of the Avon Foundation is a commitment to women’s education and economic empowerment. In addition to the annual scholarships for Avon Sales Representatives and their children, and children of employees, funds are provided by Avon Products Inc. on a local basis in areas of Avon operations that are awarded by the Avon Foundation to support education, scholarships, job training, mentoring and counseling for women and girls, including high school and college students, and women who have experienced economic hardship. A special focus is on those outside many of the traditional sources of educational and economic support. For more information on the Avon Foundation visit www.avonfoundation.org.

About Avon Products, Inc.
Avon is the world's leading direct seller of beauty and related products, with $7.7 billion in annual revenues. Avon markets to women around the world through 4.9 million independent sales Representatives. Avon product lines include such recognizable brand names as Avon Color, Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Avon Solutions, Advance Techniques Hair Care, Avon Naturals, Mark, and Avon Wellness. Avon also markets an extensive line of fashion jewelry and apparel. More information about Avon and its products can be found on the company's web site www.avoncompany.com.