[April 4, 2008] -- Domestic violence affects 1 in 3 women, and up to 10 million children witness domestic violence annually. To help children affected by domestic violence, the Avon Foundation is producing the third annual Need for Speed Relay Against Domestic Violence on Sunday, June 8 with a 50-mile route covering Westchester and Rockland Counties, New York. In addition to this annual “anchor” race, the 2008 Need for Speed Relay Series includes seven “partner” relay races across the country, taking place from New Hampshire to California, offering participants the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for the important cause of domestic violence.

Need for Speed Relay Against Domestic Violence “Anchor” event in Westchester and Rockland, NY

The third annual anchor event will take place in Westchester and Rockland Counties, NY, on Sunday, June 8, with over 150 teams expected to take part, including runners from the tri-state and beyond. The event is open to women and men of every level of running expertise, with six to nine members per team. The relay is a 50-mile, 9-leg race that begins at beautiful Bear Mountain Park, journeys through scenic Westchester County via Hudson River towns, state and county parks and trails, ending with a celebration in downtown New Rochelle.

Last year, the Need for Speed Relay attracted 130 teams of runners representing 20 states, who enjoyed perfect weather and raised more than $280,000. Teams can be independent or sponsored by clubs, schools, corporations or organizations. Already registered for 2008 are dozens of teams of dedicated runners, each with a unique team name and a designated captain, including:

• Bear Mountain Brawlers, led by team captain Thomas Kletecka of Yonkers NY
• Bovine Intervention, led by team captain Heather Genovese of Manhattan
• Cops on the Run (from the NYPD 40th Precinct), led by team captain Brandon Bunting
• Muller Lites, led by team captain Lauren Muller of King of Prussia PA
• Racing in the Streets, led by team captain Chris Cuttita of Manhattan

Also among the runners will be three teams from G.H. Bass & Company, including the returning Bass Flyers and Speedy Weejuns. The company is also a Volunteer Sponsor of the Need for Speed Relay.

Proceeds from the Need for Speed Relay will be awarded by the Avon Foundation to domestic violence organizations in the region to help children affected by domestic violence. The designated beneficiaries for the 2008 funds raised are:

• Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation
• Northern Westchester Shelter
• Safe Horizons
• Sanctuary for Families
• Shelter Our Sisters

The event will culminate with a celebration in “New Roc City” in downtown New Rochelle, where participants, family, friends and spectators will join together at a finish-line festival complete with prizes for top teams in speed and fundraising accomplishments, food and beverages, and music by event sponsor Q104.3 radio. Top fundraisers will also earn access to a special VIP area and unique gift bags and prizes.

There is plenty of time to get involved! The team registration fee is $500 by May 9 and $600 by May 30. More information and registration is available at www.needforspeedrelay.org or by calling 888-NFS-RELAY. Runners are encouraged to sign up today and help end the cycle of domestic violence.

“We invite more runners to sign up to have fun while helping such an important cause,” stated Carol Kurzig, Executive Director, Avon Foundation. “The Need for Speed Relay offers competition, camaraderie and the chance to help children affected by domestic violence. It is a win-win for everyone.”

Need for Speed Against Domestic Violence National Relay Series

In addition to the anchor event in Rockland-Westchester, the Avon Foundation in 2007 began partnering with existing relays in the U.S. to create the Need for Speed Against Domestic Violence National Relay Series. Each event offers participants the opportunity to dedicate their participation to raising funds to help local children and families affected by domestic violence, with funds raised awarded to domestic violence organizations in each race community. The 2008 Need for Speed National Relay Series include:

• Madison-Chicago 200 Relay
  Madison, WI to Chicago, IL - June 6-7
• Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Relay Run Adventure
  Reno, NV/Tahoe, CA - June 6-7
• Green Mountain Relay
  Jeffersonville to Bennington, VT - June 21-22
• Black and Blue Double Century Relay (cycling)
  Virginia & North Carolina Mountains - July 19
• Wild West Relay
  Fort Collins to Steamboat Springs, CO - August 1-2
• Blue Ridge Relay
  Virginia & North Carolina Mts.- September 5-6
• Reach the Beach Relay
  Franconia Notch to Hampton Beach, NH - September 12-13

Visit www.needforspeedrelay.org/series for 2008 Relay locations, details and updates, to register or donate.

About the Avon Foundation and Speak Out Against Domestic Violence

The Avon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women, and today focuses on breast cancer and domestic violence. The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade supports access to care and finding a cure, with the best known event the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. The Speak Out Against Domestic Violence initiative was launched in 2004 and focuses on education, prevention and direct service programs, with fundraising through product sales and events such as the Need for Speed Relay Against Domestic Violence. Over $6 million has already been awarded to 300 domestic violence organizations and programs. Through 2007 Avon total philanthropic programs in 50 countries have raised and awarded a total of more than $580 million. Free downloadable domestic violence educational literature, as well as more information on the Avon Foundation, is available at www.avonfoundation.org. To register for the Need for Speed Relay visit www.needforspeedrelay.org.