Published:
Reese Witherspoon Set to Join Festivities at Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Washington, DC in May
NEW YORK, April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The Avon Foundation today announced
that Reese Witherspoon will be a special guest at the Avon Walk for Breast
Cancer inWashington, DC on Sunday, May 4, 2008, the second day of the
weekend-long event. Witherspoon, the Avon Global Ambassador and Honorary
Chair of the Avon Foundation, will spend time throughout the day with the
thousands of Walk participants, including walkers, crew and volunteers, who
are raising lifesaving funds and awareness to advance access to care and
finding a cure for breast cancer. In addition to spending time with the Walk
participants, Witherspoon will play a special role in the inspirational
Closing Ceremony, during which new DC-area grants will be announced, and she
will meet with local Avon Foundation-funded breast cancer organizations to
learn firsthand the impact of the funds raised.
"We are thrilled to have Reese join us for the Avon Walk DC," said Avon
Foundation Executive Director Carol Kurzig. "During the past year, Reese has
been a champion for the Avon Foundation's commitment to women. Now she
continues to lend her support to the Avon Foundation and to our Avon Walk
participants in DC. We are excited that Reese will meet the women and men who
are raising funds, and the researchers and organizations that are using those
funds to save lives."
In commenting on her role, Reese has stated, "I am very excited to be
partnering with the Avon Foundation, which is known the world over as a
crusader for women's causes. I am truly impressed by howAvon has been able
to affect real change. I feel a great responsibility in my own life to give
back to society. As the Honorary Chairman of the Avon Foundation, I am proud
to be joining in the great philanthropic work that is already underway."
During the August 2007 activities surrounding the announcement of her new role
as Honorary Chair of the Foundation, Witherspoon spent time with Avon Walk
walkers at a training walk in preparation for the 2007 Avon Walk for Breast
Cancer Los Angeles.
The Avon Walk for Breast CancerWashington, DC is the second of nine Avon
Walks taking place April to October this year. Since the launch of the Avon
Walk series in 2003, nearly $200 million has been raised through the
dedication of 75,000 participating women and men. Last year alone, nearly
50 grants, ranging from $100,000 to $6 million, were awarded during the
Closing Ceremonies of the Avon Walks. Through 2007, the Avon Breast Cancer
Crusade has raised more than $525 million through numerous programs worldwide.
About the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and the Avon Foundation
The Avon Walks are non-competitive weekend fundraising walks for all
fitness levels that require a significant commitment from participants. Each
walker is required to raise at least $1,800 in donations and undertake months
of training to prepare to tackle the course, which offers the option of
covering a marathon (26 miles) or a marathon and a half (39 miles) over two
days. Among the walkers' ranks in 2007 were men and women of all ages, from
all 50 states and many other countries, including more than 1,700 breast
cancer survivors. This large, diverse group was united by their shared desire
to eradicate breast cancer and help those touched by the disease.
The Avon Foundation was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women, and
brings this mission to life through focus on two key issues: breast cancer and
domestic violence. The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade launched in 1992, andAvon
breast cancer programs in some 50 countries have raised more than $525 million
to advance access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, with a focus
on the medically underserved. Funding is awarded to beneficiaries ranging from
leading cancer centers to community-based breast health programs to support
five critical areas: awareness and education; screening and diagnosis; access
to treatment; support services; and scientific research. Fundraising is
through a variety of "pink ribbon" products, events, races and walks; the
largest is the U.S. Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series.
The complete 2008 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer schedule includes:Houston,
TX (April 12-13);Washington, DC (May 3-4);Boston, MA (May 17-18);Chicago,
IL (May 31-June 1); Rocky Mountains, CO (June 28-29);San Francisco, CA (July
12-13);Los Angeles, CA (September 13-14);New York, NY (October 4-5); and
Charlotte, NC (October 25-26). For more information, or to register or
donate, visit http://www.avonwalk.org or call 888-541-WALK.
The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer thanks National Sponsor: Reebok; Official
Sponsors: Genentech BioOncology, Novartis Oncology and Prevention Magazine;
and Official Water:FIJI
Remember: early detection can help save lives. Schedule your mammogram or
clinical breast exam today. For more breast cancer information and resources,
visit http://www.cancer.org (keyword breast cancer) or
http://www.avonfoundation.org, where you can access free printable breast
cancer informational literature.
SOURCE Avon Foundation
Copyright © 2008, PRNewswire
Copyright © 2008, NewsBlaze,
Daily NewsTags: Healthcare, Health, new york, district of columbia
_ _Is your favorite bookmark site missing?
Ask for it.
Search News
Daily News
