Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Announces 2011 Walk Schedule in Nine Cities Across the United States

Avon Foundation for Women is “In It To End It” During the Ninth Annual Avon Walk Season

NEW YORK, NY (January 21, 2010) – The Avon Foundation for Women today announced the 2011 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer schedule, renewing its commitment to breast cancer research and helping people get the medical care they need, regardless of a person’s ability to pay. During the 2010 Avon Walk season, nearly 22,000 participants supported by hundreds of thousands of donors raised more than $55 million for local, regional and national breast cancer organizations. In total, since 2003 the Avon Walks have raised more than $380 million through the dedication of more than 142,000 participants, including women and men ranging in age from their teens to those in their 80s, from every walk of life. 

On stage during the nine 2010 Avon Walk closing ceremonies, the Avon Foundation immediately awarded almost 100 grants ranging from $25,000 to $1.2 million to leading cancer centers, research institutions and community-based organizations in the Walk regions. In total, the Avon Foundation awarded more than 250 grants across the country throughout the year. For a complete list of Avon Foundation funding, visit www.avonfoundation.org.

“The Avon Foundation for Women is ‘in it to end it’ for a ninth Avon Walk for Breast Cancer season. For the last eight years, tens of thousands of dedicated women and men took personal action to help others through the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.  We are truly inspired by our participants’ passion and enthusiasm,” said Avon Foundation for Women President Carol Kurzig.  “The funds raised at the Walks enable us to award grants to organizations in the Walk cities and around that country that provide access to screening and care for everyone regardless of their ability to pay, as well as accelerate breast cancer research.”

The Avon Walk series, the Avon Foundation’s largest fund-raising event, comprises nine non-competitive weekend fund-raising walks for all fitness levels that require a significant commitment from participants (see cities/dates below). Each walker is required to raise at least $1,800 in donations and to prepare physically for the event, which offers the option of walking a marathon (26.2 miles) or a marathon and a half (39.3 miles) over a weekend. Among the walkers’ ranks in 2010 were men and women of all ages, from nearly every state and nine countries, including more than 1,600 breast cancer survivors.  This large, diverse group was united by their shared desire to eradicate breast cancer and help those touched by the disease.

Often described by participants as a “life-changing weekend,” the Avon Walk weekend kicks off with an inspiring opening ceremony on Saturday morning after which participants have the choice of walking 13.1 or 26.2 miles – a half or full marathon . Walkers and volunteer crew can spend the night at the Avon Walk’s “Wellness Village,” a “tent city” complete with two-person tents, hot showers, hot meals, entertainment, and activities.  On Sunday, walkers complete another 13.1 miles that culminate in a poignant closing ceremony and the presentation of local grants.

The complete 2011 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer schedule includes:  Houston (April 16-17), Washington, DC (April 30-May 1), Boston (May 14-15), Chicago (June 4-5), Rocky Mountains, CO (June 25 – 26), San Francisco (July 9 – 10), Santa Barbara (September 17-18), New York City (October 15-16), and Charlotte, NC (October 22-23).

About the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series is a project of the Avon Foundation for Women, a 501(c)(3) public charity. Since its launch in 2003, the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series has raised more than $380 million through the dedication of more than 142,000 participating women and men from across the country, including hundreds of Avon Associates and Representatives. The Avon Foundation awards the funds raised to local, regional and national breast cancer organizations to support breast cancer awareness and education, screening and diagnosis, access to treatment, support services, and scientific research. The Walks take place in nine cities, covering 39 miles in two days, and raise significant awareness and funds to fight breast cancer. The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Series is the largest fund-raising event for the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.  Since the Crusade launched in 1992, Avon breast cancer programs in more than 50 countries have raised almost $700 million for research and advancing access to care, regardless of a person’s ability to pay.

Avon Foundation for Women
The Avon Foundation for Women, the world’s largest corporate-affiliated philanthropy focused on issues that matter most to women, was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women. Through 2010, Avon global philanthropy has donated more than $800 million in more than 50 countries for causes most important to women. Today, Avon philanthropy focuses its funding on breast cancer research and access to care through the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade , and efforts to reduce domestic and gender violence through its Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program. Avon also responds generously to provide support for relief and recovery efforts in times of major natural disasters and emergencies. 

For more information or to register for an Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, visit www.avonwalk.org or call 888-540-WALK.

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The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer thanks National Sponsor: Reebok
and Official Sponsors: Genentech BioOncology, Tomboy Tools and Otterbox.

Remember: early detection can help save lives.  Discuss breast cancer screening with your doctor. Make informed decisions about
what age to start mammography. Get to know your risk and risk reduction strategies.
 For more breast cancer information and resources, visit www.cancer.org (keyword breast cancer) or www.avonfoundation.org, where you can access free printable breast cancer informational literature.

Follow the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
on Facebook (www.facebook.com/avonwalks)
and Twitter (twitter.com/avonwalks).