Charlotte, NC April 28, 2009 --- The Avon Foundation for Women, in collaboration with the PGA TOUR Wives Association and the Quail Hollow Championship, is proud to announce that the inaugural Walk The Course Against Domestic Violence event attracted more than 850 registered walkers and raised more than $75,000 for the critical issue of domestic violence. The Walk the Course Against Domestic Violence is a noncompetitive and family friendly event that offered participants the choice of walking the 9-hole or 18-hole course through the beautiful Quail Hollow Club. The event kicked off with an opening ceremony in which several local victims of domestic violence spoke about their experiences. 

At the emotional opening ceremony for the 18-hole walk, Tana Greene, from Charlotte, NC said "As a 34 year survivor of domestic violence, I am so thankful and excited to see this event taking place. More than ever we need to raise awareness about this issue."

During the ceremony, Carol Kurzig, President of the Avon Foundation for Women, ensured the funds raised immediately benefited other women like Tana Greene by announcing grants of $25,000 each to two local domestic violence organizations: The Shelter of Gaston County, represented by Cathy Cloniger, Shelter Director and the United Family Services Shelter for Battered Women, represented by Libby McLaughlin, VP of Development and Communication.

The event also featured a reception with many of the PGA TOUR golfers from the Tournament, including Mark Wilson, Webb Simpson, and Johnson Wagner. They mingled with participants and thanked them for the hard work and commitment to the cause. "It is an honor for us to lend support for this event by hosting it on our golf course", said Kym Hougham, Executive Director, Quail Hollow Championship. "Walk The Course Against Domestic Violence was a meaningful and important part of our activities this week, and we are proud to have hosted the inaugural Walk the Course event."

Walk the Course Against Domestic Violence is the latest initiative of the Avon Foundation for Women's Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program. Since Speak Out launched in 2004, the Avon Foundation for Women has awarded more than $14 million, including support for 400 domestic violence organizations in the US alone. 

In North Carolina, there were 84 domestic violence related deaths reported in 2008, according to the Domestic Violence Advocacy Council. Already this year, several heartbreaking instances of domestic or partner violence have shaken the Charlotte community. Domestic violence knows no boundary of age, race, gender, wealth or geography - it can affect anyone, and worldwide, one in three women is affected by violence.

"The Charlotte community has really come together to raise awareness and much needed funds for this difficult issue," says Carol Kurzig, President, Avon Foundation for Women. "Partnerships like these with the PGA TOUR Wives Association and the Quail Hollow Championship enable us to make a significant difference in local communities, generating more resources for those who need them most and raising awareness throughout the area."

"It is clear through our partnership to create Walk the Course Against Domestic Violencethat the Avon Foundation for Women shares our mission to help children and families. With these funds we will be able to really make a difference for the lives of so many in the Charlotte area," says Amy Wilson, President, PGA TOUR Wives Association.

The Avon Foundation for Women is a 501(c)(3) public charity and a leader in the causes of breast cancer and domestic violence. Since 2004, when the Avon Foundation for Women launched the Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program, more than $14 million has been raised and awarded to domestic violence organizations to support awareness, education, direct services and prevention programs for victims, including a special initiative for children affected by domestic violence. Worldwide, the Avon Foundation for Women and Avon global philanthropy have raised more than $660 million in over 50 countries.

The PGA TOUR Wives Association, Inc., is a Florida not-for-profit corporation organization to render support and provide assistance to needy children and their families through the means of charitable events. Incorporated in 1988 by wives of professional golfers on PGA TOUR, the Association has raised more than $3 million for child and women related charities. In addition to monetary contributions, its members have given back through personal time, participating in a wide range of service projects from Habitat for Humanity builds to cooking in soup kitchens to playing with hospitalized children in communities where PGA TOUR tournaments are held. For more information about the Association, visit the website at www.pgatourwives.org.

The Quail Hollow Championship is one of the largest, most prestigious sporting events in the Charlotte region. Now leading up to its seventh year, the tournament is an annual tradition that will bring, players and patrons back each year for an unforgettable golf experience. The national and international golf community has recognized it as one of the top events on the PGA TOUR. The 2009 tournament will be held April 27-May 3. 

Walk the Course Against Domestic Violence thanks Silver Sponsors, CaroMont Health and Family Dollar, Media Sponsors, Kiss 95.1, K104.7, and Charlotte Living, Official Sponsors: CharlotteSmartyPants.com, The Lodges at Eagles Nest, Goodrich
 

###