Avon Kicks Off 15th Annual AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer Season

NEW YORK, April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- New Avon LLC ("Avon"), the leading social selling beauty company in North America, and the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade today announced the kick off of AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer. Now in its 15^th year, the 2017 season begins this weekend in Houston, followed by Washington, D.C. (May 6-7), Chicago (June 3-4), Boston (June 24-25), San Francisco (July 8-9), Santa Barbara (September 9-10) and New York (October 14-15).

United by the theme #FierceIsForever, the two-day, 39.3 mile walks celebrate the strength and philanthropic commitment of participants who raise a minimum of $1,800 to accelerate breast cancer research; improve access to screening, diagnosis and treatment; and educate people about breast cancer. The 2016 AVON 39 event series drew more than 13,000 participants from across the country, including 1,728 breast cancer survivors, who raised more than $30 million to advance access to breast health care. Since the series' launch in 2003, more than 235,000 participants have raised nearly $620,000,000. Funds raised are distributed by the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade to local, regional and national breast cancer organizations with the goal of improving breast cancer outcomes and reducing disparities in survival rates.

"As the company for women, we are proud of our strong purpose-driven mission to improve the lives of women – and this includes our long-term commitment to the fight against breast cancer. I've had the great privilege of participating in the AVON 39 Walk and being a part of the powerful community of walkers. I'm inspired by the individuals whose lives have been touched by breast cancer, and who have their own personal reason for wanting to take part and make a difference," says Scott White, Chief Executive Officer, New Avon LLC. "The AVON 39 experience is such a point of pride for our thousands of Representatives and employees – many who will walk, donate or cheer to take us one step closer to ending breast cancer once and for all."

This year, AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer advertising features alumni walkers sharing their personal experiences, including an Avon Representative and employee: 

• Avon Representative, Laura Whitaker: A breast cancer survivor, entrepreneur and second time New York AVON 39 walker. Laura is a true warrior, and has been cancer-free for a year. In 2016, she walked 34 miles of the AVON 39 journey and looks forward to completing the full walk this year. Laura walks to support finding a cure and to inspire other breast cancer survivors.
• Avon employee, Christina Satturo: A Merchandising Manager in the company's Fashion department, Christina is a third year veteran of the AVON 39 New York event. She originally joined "Team Avon" as a way to get more involved with the company, and to feel connected to women in her family that have been impacted by breast cancer. Christina walks for her grandmother, aunt, and close friend, and to raise awareness for all women who are unable to get appropriate treatment and care.

To get a behind the scenes look at Laura and Christina's AVON 39 photoshoot, visit Avon Insider at www.avon.com/blog.

"We are delighted to be entering our 2017 Walk season," said Kevin Honeycutt, President and CEO of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. "Over the last 15 years, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has allocated the funds raised by AVON 39ers to organizations that help women and men, regardless of their ability to pay, get the breast cancer care they need. Funds from the Walks have greatly improved the daily lives of breast cancer patients across the country, especially those in high-risk, underserved populations, and we look forward to furthering this impact in 2017, with the ultimate goal of taking down breast cancer once and for all."

Details About AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer

AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer begins with an inspirational opening ceremony. AVON 39 participants then start their challenge of walking 26.2 miles throughout the host city, assisted by an all-volunteer crew and cheered on by supporters. Participants spend the night at Basecamp 39, featuring pink two-person tents, hot showers and meals, entertainment and leisure activities, as well as volunteer medical services provided by AVON 39 Medical Sponsors.

On day two, after completing the final 13.1 miles, participants join family and friends to celebrate their achievement at a closing ceremony. During the ceremony, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade awards new grants to breast cancer organizations in the Walk city to ensure the funds raised benefit the local community immediately.

How to Register for AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer:

Registration is open for the 2017 events:

• Houston (April 22-23)
• Washington DC (May 6-7)
• Chicago (June 3-4)
• Boston (June 24-25)
• San Francisco (July 8-9
• Santa Barbara (September 9-10)
• New York (October 14-15).

For more information about AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer, visit www.avon39.org or join the #FierceIsForever conversation on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

About AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer
AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer is the largest fundraising event for the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. Since its launch by the Avon Foundation for Women in 2003, more than 235,000 participants have raised nearly $620,000,000 in the fight to end breast cancer. Funds raised at each event provide direct impact in the area where the event takes place, and also help make sure that care and research programs nationwide have adequate resources to make the most progress possible. For more information about AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer, visit www.avon39.org or join the #FierceIsForever conversation on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

About New Avon LLC
New Avon LLC ("Avon") is the leading social selling beauty company in North America, with independent sales Representatives throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. New Avon's product portfolio includes award-winning skincare, color cosmetics, fragrance and personal care products, featuring iconic brands such as ANEW, Avon Color, mark., and Skin So Soft, as well as fashion and accessories. Avon has a 130 year history of empowering women through economic opportunity, and supporting the causes that matter most to women. Together, Avon and the Avon Foundation for Women have contributed over $1 billion globally toward eradicating breast cancer and domestic violence. Learn more about New Avon and its products at www.avon.com.

Contact:
Kristina Jorge, New Avon LLC
[email protected]

Claire Wright, Avon Breast Cancer Crusade
[email protected]

SOURCE New Avon LLC