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August 1, 2007
NEW YORK, August 1, 2007 –Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon has been named the first-ever Honorary Chairperson of the Avon Foundation, it was announced today. In this newly-established role, Ms. Witherspoon will work with the Avon Foundation on its mission programs focused on breast cancer, domestic violence and emergency relief initiatives.
Ms. Witherspoon is also serving in the newly created role of Global Ambassador for Avon Products, Inc.
The Avon Foundation and Ms. Witherspoon will partner in raising awareness for the Foundation’s programs, which are focused on the critical issues of breast cancer and domestic violence. The Avon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1955 with the mission to improve the lives of women globally. While the Avon Foundation is focused on the US, Avon’s global philanthropy extends to more than 50 countries. Through 2006 more than $500 million had been raised and donated worldwide for breast cancer and domestic violence as well as emergency/disaster relief and the original mission of the Foundation, women’s empowerment.
“I am very excited to be partnering with the Avon Foundation, which is known the world over as a crusader for women’s causes.” said Ms. Witherspoon. “I am truly impressed by how Avon has been able to effect real change. I feel a great responsibility in my own life to give back to society. Now, as the Honorary Chairman of the Avon Foundation, I am proud to be joining in the great philanthropic work that is already underway.”
"We are delighted to welcome Reese to the Avon Foundation as our first-ever honorary chairman,” stated Carol Kurzig, executive director, Avon Foundation. “She has a passionate commitment to helping other women and giving back to society, and her personal warmth touches all who meet her. We are confident Reese will accelerate the Avon Foundation’s work to improve the lives of women.”
As one of her first official acts, Ms. Witherspoon this afternoon joined Avon Foundation executives and Andrea Jung, Chairman and CEO of Avon Products, Inc., to greet walkers at a training walk for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Los Angeles, coming up on September 15-16. The surprise visit by the actress, and the news of her role with the Avon Foundation, sent a flash of excitement through the throng of walkers, who had the opportunity to chat with Ms. Witherspoon before heading out for their scheduled training walk through LA.
Reese Witherspoon.
Reese Witherspoon is a style icon, a mom, a comedienne, a producer and an Academy Award winning actress. One of Hollywood’s most sought after and respected talents, she is also beloved for her down to earth approachability and warmth.
Witherspoon grew up in Tennessee, and returned to her roots to play June Carter Cash in the musical bio-pic, WALK THE LINE. Her extraordinary performance earned her the 2005 Academy Award for Best Actress, the BAFTA, the Golden Globe, the Screen Actors Guild Award, the New York Film Critics Award and many other honors.
Her wide-ranging body of work is marked by unforgettable characters, and she received Golden Globe nominations for her work in both the critically acclaimed Alexander Payne satire, ELECTION, and the box office hit, LEGALLY BLONDE.
Witherspoon has a production company, TYPE A FILMS, through which she produced LEGALLY BLONDE II, and the upcoming original fable, PENELOPE, starring Christina Ricci.
Her other films include THE MAN IN THE MOON, FREEWAY, FEAR, PLEASANTVILLE, SWEET HOME ALABAMA, VANITY FAIR, and JUST LIKE HEAVEN.
Witherspoon has been active with Save The Children and serves on the board of the Childrens’ Defense Fund.
About the Avon Foundation
The Avon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1955 with a mission to improve the lives of women and their families. Today that mission is brought to life through two key initiatives: the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade, which advances access to care and finding a cure, with a focus on the medically underserved; and the Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program which works to end the cycle of domestic violence, with a special focus on children. The Avon Foundation also supports emergency and disaster relief. Funds and awareness are raised through a wide variety of programs and events such as the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series, the Need for Speed Relay Against Domestic Violence, the annual Awards Celebration, and the sale of unique fundraising products. More information is available at avonfoundation.org.
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