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Evelyn Lauder, Chairman of Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Applauds Challenge of the Americas

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WELLINGTON, FL – February 8, 2007 – While the name ‘Estee Lauder’ is synonymous with the mega international cosmetics company, the name ‘Evelyn Lauder’ has become well known for leadership in finding a cure for breast cancer. Evelyn Lauder, senior corporate vice president at the Estee Lauder Companies, Inc., works with her husband, Leonard Lauder, the chairman of the company and son of the company’s namesake, and she is also founder and chairman of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), which she launched in 1993. The PhelpsSports.com Challenge of the Americas presented by Collecting Gaits Farm is a benefit for the BCRF. This year, in its sixth edition, the PhelpsSports Challenge will be held on March 10, 2007, at International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida.

Mary Ross of Boca Raton, Florida, is the founder and co-chair of the PhelpsSport Challenge. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation has been the beneficiary of this dressage event since the early version – a three-horse luncheon exhibition in 2002. By its fifth edition last year, the event had grown to feature 24 horses and riders in an evening competition with gala and raised $225,000 for BCRF.

Mrs. Lauder commented on how she felt about this fundraiser when she first heard about it and what she thinks of it now.

“When Mary Ross first presented the idea of a dressage event to benefit BCRF in February 2002, I was delighted,” said Mrs. Lauder. “This was a novel concept and one that would be perfect for BCRF. In its first year, approximately 200 guests helped raise $45,000 at the luncheon and exhibition. Five years later, the luncheon has grown to a gala dinner with over 600 guests! It is wonderful to know that many major companies have chosen to support the event as sponsors. To-date the dressage event has raised an amazing $575,000 and it could not have been done without the hard work and dedication of Mary.”

In 1993, the first year of BCRF, the organization raised about $600,000. In 2006 it raised $27 million – a phenomenal jump in fundraising. Mrs. Lauder shared her thoughts on why BCRF has been so successful.

“The success of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation can be attributed to its strong leadership, both in the scientific and fundraising aspects,” explained Mrs. Lauder. “We are lucky enough to have Dr. Larry Norton as our Scientific Director, who – along with our Medical Advisory Board – ensures we are funding the world’s leading breast cancer researchers. When you are supporting the truly life-saving research of the most innovative and committed investigators worldwide, it is hard to resist the urge to support the Foundation!”

Mrs. Lauder continued, “Our committed board of directors and advisory board have opened many doors to individuals, corporations, and organizations eager to support our cause of prevention and a cure in our lifetime. Further aiding our growth have been BCRF’s stellar ratings from oversight agencies such as Charity Navigator and the American Institute of Philanthropy, which recognize not only the quality of the research we support but our fiscal efficiency and our pledge to direct a minimum of 85 cents on each dollar raised to the cause.”

Mrs. Lauder also noted, “In addition to individual donations, BCRF has received generous support from grassroots efforts, such as the PhelpsSports.com Challenge of the Americas, as well as contributions from corporate sponsorships. Throughout the year, BCRF hosts events around the country that not only raise awareness about breast cancer, but also raise funds for new research. All of these efforts combined have made each year of the BCRF’s 14-year history more successful than the one before it.”

Mrs. Lauder explained what she feels are the most significant accomplishments of the BCRF so far.

“There have been several major accomplishments, especially in the past six years,” Mrs. Lauder noted. “In 2001, the Foundation awarded $8.5 million to 50 researchers. In five short years, the number of researchers has increased to 115 researchers and the amount of money granted has tripled to $24.3 million. In addition to these impressive numbers, the Foundation has received the highest rating from Charity Navigator - four stars - for five consecutive years. This means BCRF has outperformed more than 98.7% of over 5,000 evaluated charities in efficiently managing its finances. Money magazine named BCRF one of America’s eight top charities. And the important, lifesaving advances of the scientists we support have been heralded in the press. A prime example, which was announced at a major breast cancer meeting in December, 2006, is the finding that a low-fat diet reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence, in postmenopausal women treated for early-stage breast cancer.”

Mrs. Lauder has introduced many innovative breast cancer awareness programs, from distributing 60 million pink ribbons to donating the proceeds of her new cookbook. In addition to raising funds for BCRF, she explained what impact a one-of-a-kind event like the PhelpsSports.com Challenge of the Americas has on the general public and the media as far as drawing awareness to BCRF.

“Throughout the years, BCRF has been fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of many wonderful fundraising events and campaigns,” Mrs. Lauder pointed out. “As always, I am deeply grateful to everyone who has the enthusiasm and energy to continue to raise awareness and funds on behalf of the Foundation. The PhelpsSports.com Challenge of the Americas is another fantastic opportunity to reach a sector of the population that may not have known about the Foundation. It is my hope that through this one-of-a-kind event, women and their loved ones will be inspired to support the Foundation and its mission of prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime.”

PhelpsSports.com Challenge of the Americas Presented by Collecting Gaits Farm

SCHEDULE OF FESTIVITIES

5:30 p.m. Patrons and Sponsors  Cocktails and Hors D'oeuvres

Sponsored by Fidelity Federal Bank & Trust

6:15 p.m. The PhelpsSports.com Challenge of the Americas

Team High Jump, Pas de Deux, Quadrilles

7:45 p.m. Awards

8:15 p.m. Patrons and Sponsors  Challenge Gala  Dinner and Dancing

TICKET INFORMATION

Gold Table Patron: $6,500  Premier seating for 10 at the PhelpsSports.com Challenge of the Americas and The Challenge Gala; Patron table signage; Gold Level acknowledgement in invitations, event programs and on promotional posters displayed throughout the Wellington community.

Silver Table Patron: $4,000  Prominent seating for 10 at the PhelpsSports.com Challenge of the Americas and The Challenge Gala; Patron acknowledgement in the event programs and on promotional posters displayed throughout the Wellington community.

Bronze Table Patron: $2,500  VIP seating for 10 at the PhelpsSports.com Challenge of the Americas and The Challenge Gala.

Individual Patron: $250  VIP seating at the PhelpsSports.com Challenge of the Americas and The Challenge Gala.

Patron and Sponsor seating will be served cocktails and hors d'oeuvres during Challenge competition sponsored by Fidelity Federal Bank & Trust.

General Admission Tickets:  General Admission seating for the competition will be available at the gate for $20 per ticket.

TICKETS AND INFORMATON

For tickets, table reservations, and information about the 2007 PhelpsSports.com Challenge of the Americas presented by Collecting Gaits Farm, visit http://www.challengeoftheamericas.com. For detailed information and sponsorship opportunities, contact  Mary Ross at 561-852-2591.

“PhelpsSports Challenge” Sponsors

PhelpsSports.com

Collecting Gaits Farm

United States Dressage Federation

Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate Diagnosis, New Technology, Knowledge

Purina Mills

Morgan Stanley

SSG Gloves

UBS Financial Services Inc.

GumBits

International Polo Club Palm Beach

HorseSport USA

Klassic Kur

Equestrian Graphics

Ecogold

Palm Beach Equine

Red Barn Feed & Supply

Cunningham & Cunningham Livestock, Inc.

Fidelity Federal Bank & Trust

King Ferry Winery

PHOTO CAPTION: Evelyn H. Lauder, Senior Corporate Vice President, The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. and Founder and Chairman, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. PHOTO CREDIT: Jennifer Livingston.