(New York, April 2007) - Domestic violence affects 1 in 3 women, and up to 10 million children witness domestic violence annually. The Avon Foundation is increasing efforts to end the cycle of domestic violence with the expansion of the Need for Speed Against Domestic Violence National Relay Series, which will raise lifesaving funds and awareness to help children and families affected by domestic violence through relay races across the country.

This year, the Avon Foundation will produce the second annual Need for Speed Relay Against Domestic Violence, its anchor event in Westchester and Rockland Countries, NY on June 10. The Avon Foundation is also partnering with over a dozen relays coast-to-coast and offering participants the opportunity to raise funds for the important cause of domestic violence. Funds raised will be focused on helping children and families affected by domestic violence in the relay communities, with proceeds from the Westchester-Rockland event slated for the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation.

Need for Speed Relay Against Domestic Violence "Anchor" event in Westchester and Rockland, NY 
The second annual Need for Speed Relay, the anchor event for the expanded series, will take place in Westchester and Rockland Counties, NY, on Sunday, June 10, 2007. TheRelay, a 50 mile, 9 leg race*, begins at beautiful Bear Mountain Park, journeys through scenic Westchester County via Hudson River towns, New York State and Westchester County parks and trails, ending with a celebration in downtown New Rochelle. The event is open to women and men of every level of running expertise, with each team consisting of six to nine members. Teams can be independent or sponsored by clubs, schools, corporations or organizations. In 2006, nearly 100 teams from as far away as Colorado took part in the inaugural event.

Joe Torre, Manager of the New York Yankees, will for the second year serve as honorary team captain of the Westchester-Rockland anchor event, and proceeds will benefit the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation. The funds will expand the "Margaret's Place" program launched at White Plains High School last year in memory of Torre's mother, who was a victim of domestic violence. "Margaret's Place," which received funding from the inaugural Need for Speed Relay in 2006, helps students deal with domestic and teen dating violence by providing a designated safe place in their school, offering counseling, education and peer leadership.

The Need for Speed Relay will culminate with a celebration in downtown New Rochelle, where participants, family, friends and spectators will celebrate together at a finish-line festival complete with music, food and beverages generously donated and hosted by Buffalo Wild Wings, and awards for the top teams. Top fundraisers will also earn access to a special VIP area, with free massages and unique gift bags and prizes.

The team registration fee is $500 until May 7, and $600 thereafter. Prizes will be awarded to top teams for speed and fundraising accomplishments. More information and registration is available by calling 888-NFS-RELAY or online atwww.needforspeedrelay.org. Sign up today and help end the cycle of domestic violence.

Senaida Lopez, participant in the inaugural Need for Speed Relay, will return for the second annual event. "The 2006 Need for Speed Relay was the first time I participated in a relay race. I have a personal connection and commitment to the domestic violence cause and truly enjoyed the experience I shared with my nine teammates. I have signed up for the 2007 event."

"I encourage everyone to join me in supporting the Need for Speed Relay Against Domestic Violence," urges Joe Torre. "The impact of the domestic violence I experienced while growing up has been with me my entire life, and we need to raise funds and awareness to help break this vicious cycle and let all our kids feel safe at home.

The Need for Speed Relay finish line festivities in downtown New Rochelle are generously supported by Buffalo Wild Wings, CherryPharm, FIJI Water and Q104.3.

Inaugural Need for Speed Against Domestic Violence National Relay Series 
The newly expanded Avon Foundation Need for Speed Against Domestic Violence National Relay Series includes relays across the country, encompassing events in thirteen states covering a total of more than 1,600 miles from February through October. Runners are dedicating their race participation to raise funds to support a national grant program to help children and families affected by domestic violence. Runners can sign up to become a Need for Speed fundraiser at www.needforspeedrelay.org/series. Top fundraisers can win great prizes, including free 2008 team registration to the 2007 relay in which they are participated.

The complete schedule of this unique National Relay Series includes the following:

• Crazylegz Running Relay-Orlando (FL), Feb. 24
• Wild Miles Adventure Relay (CA), Apr. 28-29
• Beach to Bay Relay (TX), May 19
• Green Mountain Relay (VT), June 2-3
• Great Midwest Relay (WI/IL), June 8-9
• Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Relay Run Adventure (NV/CA), June 29-30
• Wild West Relay (CO), Aug. 3-4
• Blue Ridge Relay (VA), Sept. 7-8
• Reach the Beach Relay (NH), Sept. 14-15
• Road Runner Akron Marathon & Chase Team Relays (OH), Sept. 29
• Arizona Odyssey Relay Run Adventure (AZ), Oct. 12-13

Visit www.needforspeedrelay.org/series for relay dates, locations, details and updates.

About the Avon Foundation and Speak Out Against Domestic Violence
The Avon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women, and today focuses on breast cancer and domestic violence. The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade supports access to care and finding a cure, with the best known event the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. The Speak Out Against Domestic Violence initiative was launched in 2004 and focuses on education, prevention and direct service programs, with fundraising through product sales and events such as the Need for Speed Relay Against Domestic Violence. In just two years funds were awarded to nearly 250 domestic violence organizations and programs. Through 2006 Avon philanthropic programs in 50 countries have raised and awarded a total of more than $500 million worldwide. Free downloadable domestic violence educational literature, as well as more information on the Avon Foundation, is available at www.avonfoundation.org. To register for the Need for Speed Relay visit www.needforspeedrelay.org.

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*Route and leg details are subject to change.