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2007 Avon Foundation Awards Celebration

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Honoring Leaders in the Causes of Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence

New milestone announced: more than $580 million raised and awarded worldwide

Special Musical Performance by Award-Winner Jennifer Hudson

NEW YORK, Oct. 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Leaders in the fight against breast cancer and domestic violence were honored last night at the seventh annual Avon Foundation Awards Celebration, which took place at 583 Park Avenue in New York City. Since 2001, the Avon Foundation Awards Celebration has raised $14 million, including $2 million this year. Hosts were Andrea Jung, Chairman & CEO, Avon Products, Inc. and Carol Kurzig, Executive Director, Avon Foundation, and the event featured a musical performance by award-winning actress and Avon Imari brand spokesperson Jennifer Hudson.

Other notable attendees included: Paul Harrington, CEO of Reebok International; Michelle Cross Fenty, wife of Washington D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty; Monica Thompson, wife of renowned Georgetown University Basketball Coach John Thompson, Jr; and Andrea Hyde, President of US division, French Connection and daughter of Nina Hyde, longtime fashion editor of The Washington Post, who lost her battle to breast cancer in 1990. A special video message from Avon Foundation Honorary Chairperson Reese Witherspoon was included in the program.

During the evening, Jung announced a new milestone: total funds raised through Avon philanthropy worldwide have reached an unprecedented $580 million. Fundraising programs include the annual Awards as well as the US Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series (which raised more than $45 million in 2007), the global Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer, the Need for Speed: Relay Against Domestic Violence, fundraising products and 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. 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. The Avon Foundation also 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

Since 2001, the Avon Foundation has recognized individuals, organizations and companies for leadership in the causes of breast cancer and domestic violence. This year, the six awards are:

-- Medical Advancement in Breast Cancer Award to the Capital Breast Care
Center in Washington, DC, which since 2003 provides quality care at no
cost to the underprivileged and minority population of Washington, DC,
a city with a death rate from breast cancer 65% above the national
average. The CBCC serves women who would otherwise not have access to
services such as mammograms, genetic testing and patient navigation.

-- The Global Corporate Leadership Award to Reebok International, 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 and launched a fundraising
line of "pink ribbon" footwear, apparel and accessories that benefit
the Avon Walk. In 2008, Reebok becomes "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 to hold batterers accountable and create solutions that
prevent domestic violence. The success of the OCDV has made it a
national model for programs nationwide.

-- The Women's Empowerment Award to Avon Sales Representative Rhonda
Henderson of Dallas, Texas, who has made it her mission to raise funds
and awareness for breast cancer by incorporating it into everything she
undertakes. Rhonda has participated in seven Avon Walk for Breast
Cancer events and raised over $62,000. Her goal for 2008 is to organize
100 people for "Team Believe" in the first-ever Avon Walk Houston.

-- A new award this year was the Avon Foundation Hall of Fame for
companies that have shown a consistent, significant commitment to the
Avon Foundation mission. The inaugural Hall of Fame inductee is Peace
Mark, a leading international watch company headquartered in China that
has shown outstanding leadership and support.

-- Special recognition was made to the restoration of domestic violence
and breast health services in areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina, with
honors for Tulane University and Baton Rouge Area Foundation. An
update on Hurricane Katrina: Two Years Later was introduced in a video
message by Avon Foundation Honorary Chairperson Reese Witherspoon, who
was born in New Orleans. The Avon Foundation has supported 15 domestic
violence organizations and several health care agencies to restore
critically needed services to the devastated area.

About the Avon Foundation

The Avon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women and their families, now focused on breast cancer and domestic violence, and support also for emergency and disaster relief. Through 2007 Avon global philanthropy in 50 countries worldwide has raised and awarded more than $580 million. There are two flagship programs: the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, which supports access to care and finding a cure; and the Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program focused on domestic violence awareness, education, direct service and prevention programs. For more information: 866-505-AVON or visit http://www.avonfoundation.org.

PHOTO: Andrea Jung, Chairman & CEO Avon Products, Inc., Jennifer Hudson, award-winning actress and Avon Imari brand spokesperson and Carol Kurzig, Executive Director Avon Foundation at the 7th annual Avon Foundation Awards celebration in NYC which raised $2 million. Credit: Brad Barket/Getty Images. (PRNewsFoto/Avon Foundation)