New York (October 31, 2007) – Leaders in the fight to eradicate breast cancer and end domestic violence were honored last night at the seventh annual Avon Foundation Awards Celebration in New York City. Since its inception in 2001, the Avon Foundation Awards Celebration has raised $14 million, including $2 million raised this year. Hosts for the event included Andrea Jung, Chairman & CEO, Avon Products, Inc. and Carol Kurzig, Executive Director, Avon Foundation, and this year the event featured a special musical performance by award-winning actress and Avon Imari brand spokesperson Jennifer Hudson.

In addition to Ms. Hudson, notable attendees included: designer Cynthia Rowley; Paul Harrington, CEO of Reebok International; Michelle Cross Fenty, wife of Adrian Fenty, Mayor of Washington D.C.; Monica Thompson, wife of renowned Georgetown University Basketball Coach John Thompson, Jr; and Andrea Hyde, President of US division, French Connection and daughter of the late Nina Hyde, longtime fashion editor of The Washington Post, who lost her battle to breast cancer in 1990.

During the evening, Jung announced a new milestone at the Awards Celebration: the total funds raised through Avon philanthropy worldwide have reached an unprecedented $580 million. Fundraising programs contributing to this milestone include the annual Awards Celebration as well as the US Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series (which this year alone raised more than $45 million), the global Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer series, the Need for Speed: Relay Against Domestic Violence, fundraising products and numerous special events.

The Avon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is a leader in the causes of breast cancer and domestic violence, and the Avon Foundation and Avon together are the largest corporate supporter of the breast cancer cause. The two key programs are the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, which since 1992 has supported access to care and finding a cure in more than 50 countries, and Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence, which was launched in July 2004. In addition, the Avon Foundation supports emergency and disaster relief.

“This evening is to let those who have battled breast cancer and those who have faced domestic violence know that they are not alone in their struggles, and to celebrate the women and men who share our commitment to eradicate breast cancer and end the cycle of violence,” stated Jung.

Avon Foundation Awards Recipients
Every year since 2001, the Avon Foundation has recognized individuals, organizations and companies for leadership in the causes of breast cancer and domestic violence. This year, awards included:

• The Medical Advancement in Breast Cancer Award to the Capital Breast Care Center in Washington, DC. Established in 2003, the CBCC’s provides extraordinary quality care at no cost to the underprivileged and minority population of Washington, DC, a city in which women die from breast cancer at a rate 65% above the national average. The CBCC serves DC women who would otherwise not have access to vital services such as mammograms, genetic testing, patient navigation and quality care. The award was accepted by Mrs. Michelle Cross Fenty, wife of the Washington DC Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and head of the CBCC advisory council, Executive Director Amari Sokoya Pearson-Fields, and Senior Medical Director Dr. Peter Shields.
• The Global Corporate Leadership Award to Reebok International, accepted by Paul Harrington, CEO, who is responsible for the Reebok brand’s business around the world. Reebok is a longstanding and steadfast advocate for empowering women and advancing their health and wellbeing. In the US, Reebok has been a strong supporter of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series, including a fundraising line of performance and lifestyle “pink ribbon” footwear, apparel and accessories that benefit the Avon Walk. In 2008, Reebok’s support will expand globally as the company becomes the “Official Global Footwear and Apparel Sponsor” of the Avon Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer, which this year included events in 51 countries.
• The Community Advocate Award to the New York City Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence, which coordinates domestic violence services provided by New York City agencies and more than 200 community-based organizations. OCDV works closely with community leaders, health care providers, city agencies and representatives from the criminal justice system to hold batterers accountable and to create solutions that are critical to preventing domestic violence in New York City. The success of the OCDV has made it a national model for programs across the country. This award was accepted by Yolanda Jimenez, Commissioner.
• The Women’s Empowerment Award to Avon Sales Representative, Rhonda Henderson of Dallas, Texas. Rhonda has been an Avon Sales Representative for ten years and has achieved the level of Senior Executive Unit Leader, and she has made it her mission to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer by incorporating it into everything that she undertakes. She has participated in seven Avon Walk for Breast Cancer events, including walking in the September Avon Walk LA and crewing in New York in early October. Rhonda is an inspirational advocate and raises funds for the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade year-round by engaging local businesses in fundraisers, raffles and special events. To date, she has raised over $62,000 for breast cancer through her efforts, and her goal in 2008 is to organize a team of 100 for the first-ever Avon Walk Houston.
• The Avon Foundation introduced a new award this year: the Avon Foundation Hall of Fame, for companies who have shown a consistent, significant commitment to the Avon Foundation mission. The inaugural Hall of Fame inductee was Peace Mark, a leading international watch company headquartered in China. This company has shown outstanding leadership and support, and they are truly helping bring the Avon Foundation closer to our goal of eradicating breast cancer and domestic violence. Gary Chan accepted the award for Peace Mark.
• In addition to honoring organizations that share the Avon Foundation mission, special recognition was made to the restoration of domestic violence and breast health services in areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina through the response by Avon and the Avon Foundation. The presentation focused on two organizations that received funds: Tulane University and Baton Rouge Area Foundation, and the report on Hurricane Katrina: Two Years Later was introduced through a special video message by Avon Foundation Honorary Chairperson Reese Witherspoon, a native of New Orleans. Avon Products, Inc. and the Avon Foundation raised funds for Hurricane Katrina relief through several initiatives in 2005 and 2006, and support has been provided for 15 domestic violence agencies to provide vital services, and to several health care agencies to restore mammography and breast health care in hurricane affected areas.

About the Avon Foundation
The Avon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women and their families. Now past the half century mark, the Avon Foundation brings this mission to life through two key areas: breast cancer and domestic violence, with support also for emergency and disaster relief for women and their families. Through 2007 Avon global philanthropy in 50 countries worldwide has raised and awarded more than $580 million. There are two flagship programs, the first being the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, which supports access to care and finding a cure through funding for five areas of the breast cancer cause: awareness and education; screening and diagnosis; access to treatment; support services; and scientific research. The second is the Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program which was launched in 2004 and is focused on domestic violence awareness, education, direct service and prevention programs. For more information or to get involved call 866-505-AVON or visit www.avonfoundation.org.