Avon Foundation Announces 2008 Avon Walk for Breast Cance...( Avon Walk Adds Houston TX to 2008...)

Avon Walk Adds Houston, TX to 2008 Lineup; Looks to Build Upon 2007

Record-Breaking Results

NEW YORK, Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Underscoring its continued commitment to advancing access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, the Avon Foundation today announced the 2008 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer schedule. For the first time in Avon Walk history, the series will expand into a ninth market -- Houston -- to build upon the momentum of a record-breaking 2007 Avon Walk season. Last year alone, nearly 20,000 participants raised more than $47 million, making 2007 the most successful Avon Walk series in its five-year history. Since the launch of the Avon Walk in 2003, nearly $200 million has been raised through the dedication of 75,000 participating women and men.

"The Avon Foundation awards grants nationally, but we are hoping to bring even more support to the fight against breast cancer in the Southwest with our inaugural Houston event," said Avon Foundation Executive Director Carol Kurzig. "By adding a ninth city to the 2008 Avon Walk schedule, we're anticipating our largest turnout and most successful fundraising year to date."

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).

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
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