NEW YORK, Nov. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Avon Products, Inc. celebrated the culmination of its 125th anniversary year last night at the Avon Foundation for Women Global Voices for Change Gala by honoring global champions working to end breast cancer and domestic violence, and by announcing the winners of Avon's first-ever global online singing talent search for women and songwriting competition for women and men, Avon Voices. Avon Chairman and CEO Andrea Jung, Fergie, Natasha Bedingfield, Delta Goodrem, Ashley Greene and more than 800 guests and performers from 39 countries attended this star-studded celebration at the Marriot Marquis in New York City's Times Square, which raised more than $2.3 million for the Avon Foundation for Women.
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"This year we are thrilled that our awards reflect the truly global nature of our critical work to eradicate breast cancer and violence against women. Tonight, we honor the dedication and support of our partners around the world who share in our commitment to improve the lives of women," said Andrea Jung. "By the end of this year – our 125th year – Avon global philanthropy will have donated more than $860 million, thanks to the grassroots efforts of our network of 6.5 million Representatives, 40,000 Associates and hundreds of millions of consumers – making us the largest corporate philanthropy focused solely on women's causes in the world."
"The Avon Foundation Gala is one of the most anticipated nights of the year, and I'm excited to be a part of it and to celebrate Global Voices for Change – those true champions around the world who work tirelessly to empower women and improve their health and safety," said Fergie, six-time GRAMMY award winner, Avon Voices judge and Gala Co-Host with Andrea Jung. "It has been my great pleasure to serve as a judge for Avon Voices, and I'm so pleased that our year-long global talent search came to its conclusion at the Avon Foundation Gala tonight."
Avon Foundation for Women Global Awards Recipients
Every year since 2001 at its annual gala, the Avon Foundation for Women has recognized individuals and organizations in the United States for their leadership in the causes that are most important to women. To date, the Avon Foundation Gala has raised more than $22 million. This year, Avon Foundation Gala honorees span the globe, honoring organizations that improve access to breast health care and assist victims of domestic and gender violence. Avon Voices celebrity judges were honored to help present these awards.
Global Breast Cancer Medical Advancement Champions (Brazil and Poland)
Andrea Jung, Colombian singing starMaia, and Brazil's biggest pop starIvete Sangalo, presented the first Global Breast Cancer Medical Advancement Champions Award to the Barretos Cancer Hospital, a center of excellence in oncology care located in rural Brazil that assists nearly 3,000 patients per day, nearly all of them low-income and all part of the Brazilian public health system. Avon Brazil has supported the Barretos Cancer Hospital since 2002 and helped fund the creation of the Avon Institute Breast Cancer Prevention Center, purchase digital mammography and ultrasound equipment, and upgrade the hospital's mobile mammography van.