Avon Aligns The Stars To Fight Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence

The stars were out in full force last week for a fabulous cause – the annual Avon Foundation for Women Gala. Though the outfits were fabulous, the best part of the evening was easily the service awards.

Here’s what Gala co-host Andrea Jung had to say about the honorees:

This is the ninth year we have come together to honor and celebrate outstanding partners who advance the work of the Avon Foundation for Women – true Champions Who Change Women's Lives. Tonight, as we recognize those committed to ending breast cancer and domestic violence, it is a privilege to reflect on the incredible progress we have made together in saving and improving women's lives around the world.

And here are this year’s award winners (full release here):

The Medical Advancement in Breast Cancer Award was presented to Barbara Cicatelli and Kathy Gates-Ferris, founder and director of the non-profit organization Cicatelli Associates Inc. Over the past ten years, the organization has touched the lives of many underserved and often over-looked women, especially minorities and women in rural areas. “By the end of 2009, these programs will have linked women to one million mammograms and Clinical Breast Exams and educated more than 15 million people about the importance of early detection,” according to the Avon Foundation’s website.

The Community Advocacy Champion Award was presented to Casey Gwinn, J.D. for the National Family Justice Center Alliance on behalf of victims of domestic violence. There are similar centers across the nation and, more recently, across the globe. They are, as Casey described them, “one stop shops” for victims of domestic violence and their family members.

The Women's Empowerment Champion Award, which recognizes and honors members of the Avon Family who have demonstrated outstanding philanthropic efforts in the community, was presented to Avon West Area Sales Leader Kathleen Earle and team member Jennifer Torres, for raising over $300,000 through participation in three Avon Walk for Breast Cancer events in Los Angeles, Colorado and San Francisco.

The Hall of Fame Champion Induction Award was to Firmenich and its CEO Patrick Firmenich. This award is given to Avon’s allies and partners who share in their desire to see an end to breast cancer and domestic violence.

The m.powerment Award recognizes programs focused on empowering young women to prevent dating abuse and partner violence and Avon presented a new m.powerment grant of $50,000 to the New York City Healthy Relationship Training Academy. The grant will be used to help raise awareness and provide education on domestic violence, especially within young couple.

The Voice of Courage Award was presented to Sapphire, author of Push, and Paula Patton, the starring actress in "Precious," the movie being made from Push (which releases Nov. 6). The award goes to those who use their voice to speak for others who can’t, by speaking out about domestic violence. “Precious” tells the story of a young girl who suffers from domestic violence and abuse.

Here’s the Gala’s other co-sponsor, Reese Witherspoon, on why protecting women and families is so important:

And here is a video from the gala itself: