LOS ANGELES, Oct 18, 2009 / FW/ — It was a heartwarming tale from coast to coast, from California to New York, as the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer raises over $14 million for research and access to care.
The seventh annual Avon Walk for Breast Cancer season continued with the Avon Walk in Los Angeles this weekend, which raised more than $4.6 million to advance access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer.
The Avon Walk Los Angeles is the seventh of nine Avon Walks this year, and the event attracted more than 2,000 participants drawn from 33 states, including almost 200 breast cancer survivors, who joined together to raise lifesaving funds and awareness for breast cancer.
Actor and Avon Foundation for Women Special Ambassador, Patrick Dempsey was a special guest at the Closing Ceremony. Patrick raffled off the race suit he wore in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January and encouraged walkers to compete in the Dempsey Racing Champions’ Circle for the opportunity to attend a 2010 race with the Dempsey Racing Team.
In New York, Avon Walk New York participants celebrated the close of a successful weekend last Oct 10th and 11th. The event drew 4,000 participants and raised $9.5 million — the largest Avon Walk in 2009.
Suze Orman, personal financial expert and Special Ambassador for the Avon Foundation for Women, presented grants during the New York Avon Walk’s Closing Ceremony.
As Reese Witherspoon, Honorary Chair of the Avon Foundation explains, “The initiatives of the Avon Foundation’s Breast Cancer Crusade raise critical funds and awareness to combat breast cancer around the world. As a woman, a mother and the Honorary Chair of the Avon Foundation, I am proud to lend my support to this cause not just during October, but throughout the year, whether participating in a walk, purchasing a fundraising product, or donating time or money. I hope everyone finds a way to join our mission to promote early detection, further medical research, and ultimately find a cure for this devastating disease.”
This year, the Foundation introduced three new products to its iconic pink ribbon fundraising collection: the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Tote Bag designed by Marimekko® and endorsed by Reese Witherspoon, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Watch, and the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Moisturizing Soap. Each product is priced affordably under $15.00 and raises lifesaving funds for the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.
The products are available through Avon Representatives or at www.avonfoundation.org
[MARIKIT YAMATO]
