2006 Avon Foundation Awards Celebration

2006 Avon Foundation Awards Celebration

		Emily Hughes, John Quinones, and Lynn Sherr at the 2006 Avon Foundation Awards Celebration, New York State Theatre - Lincoln Center. (PRNewsFoto/Avon Foundation,Stephen Lovekin/WireImage.com) NEW YORK, NY UNITED STATES

Honoring Leaders in the Causes of Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence New milestone announced: $500 million raised and awarded worldwide Honorees Included ABC Primetime's John Quinones, the NCI's Dr. Jorge Gomez and Avon Mexico NEW YORK, Oct. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The annual Avon Foundation Awards Celebration last night honored leaders in the causes of breast cancer and domestic violence at a gala event at the New York State Theater, Lincoln Center, New York City. Hosts Andrea Jung, Chairman & CEO Avon Products, Inc. and Carol Kurzig, Executive Director, Avon Foundation shared the stage with ABC 20/20 correspondent Lynn Sherr, champion women's figure skater Emily Hughes, Primetime's John Quinones and leading breast cancer researchers, including Dr. Jorge Gomez of the National Cancer Institute. The event culminated with a musical performance by Grammy-nominated singer and third- season winner of the hit show American Idol, Fantasia Barrino. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061031/NYTU010 ) The evening also celebrated an extraordinary new milestone: total funds raised through Avon philanthropy worldwide have reached an unprecedented $500 million. Fundraising programs include the US Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series, the global Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer series, the Need for Speed Relay Against Domestic Violence, fundraising products and special events, including the annual Awards Celebration. The Avon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is a leader in the causes of breast cancer and domestic violence, and the Avon Foundation and Avon together are the largest corporate supporter of the breast cancer cause. The flagship programs are the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, which since 1992 has supported access to care and finding a cure in 50 countries, and Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence, which was launched in July 2004. The Avon Foundation also supports emergency and disaster relief. "This evening is to let those who have battled breast cancer and those who have faced domestic violence know that they are not alone in their struggles, and to celebrate the women and men who share our commitment to eradicate breast cancer and end the cycle of violence," stated Jung. Avon Foundation Awards Recipients and Presenters John Quinones, co-anchor of ABC News Primetime, received the Voice of Change award for his effort to expose injustice and wrongdoing against women and bring the issue of domestic violence to the mainstream. The Avon Foundation Award is in special recognition of Quinones' fascinating hidden camera report "What Would you Do?," on how people react when they witness women at risk in public places. This program is an important work of journalism that illustrates the reluctance of many people to become involved or speak out against domestic violence. Presenting the Voice of Change award was Lynn Sherr, a highly respected, leading correspondent for ABC News' 20/20, as well as the author of several books. During her journalistic career, she has earned innumerable awards for investigative reporting on a wide range of stories, with an emphasis on women's issues, social changes, and national politics. Sherr is a cancer survivor and just released Outside the Box: A Memoir about her battle with the disease and her husband's death from cancer. The Medical Advancement in Breast Cancer award is being presented to three extraordinary leaders in breast cancer research: Jorge Gomez, M.D., Ph.D., National Cancer Institute, Victoria Seewaldt, M.D., Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center and Eric P. Winer, M.D., Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Breast SPORE. These three stellar scientists lead innovative research into ways to treat, prevent, detect and diagnose breast cancer under the auspices of the Avon Foundation-National Cancer Institute Progress for Patients program, a 5-year, $30 million partnership with the goal to expedite the application of new scientific discoveries to quickly benefit patient treatment and care. To date, Progress for Patients has funded 93 scientists collaborating on 56 clinical research studies that already resulted 42 clinical trials. Sarah and Emily Hughes, Olympic figure skaters, presented the Medical Advancement award. The 2002 diagnosis of their mother, Amy, with breast cancer prior to Sarah's Olympic success made headlines, and both sisters have become breast cancer advocates. Their mother is now a breast cancer survivor, and among Sarah's activities is her starring role in a public service advertisement promoting breast cancer awareness and research. She believes "that if I can get one person to get a mammogram, I've accomplished something." A special Women's Empowerment Crusader Award was presented to Maria Eugenia Garcia Quen, Zone Manager and Eduardo Ribeiro, Vice President Sales on behalf of Avon Mexico for its commitment to the domestic violence cause and its willingness to take a public stand on this issue. Avon Mexico was the first to adopt the Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program after the program was developed in the US, and they secured the support of President Vincente Fox to the launch their program. Among their initiatives is an award-winning public service announcement entitled "Golpe," showing a beautiful model with a black eye and the headline "At Avon, we don't want you to cover it up." Avon Mexico continues to expand its groundbreaking work to end domestic violence. About the Avon Foundation The Avon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women and their families, and today focuses on breast cancer and domestic violence, with support also for emergency and disaster relief. Through 2006 Avon global philanthropy in 50 countries worldwide has raised and awarded more than $500 million. The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade supports access to care and finding a cure, with a focus on the medically underserved, through funding for awareness and education; screening and diagnosis; access to treatment; support services; and scientific research. The Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program is focused on domestic violence awareness, education, direct service and prevention programs. For more information call 866-505-AVON or visit http://www.avonfoundation.org.