Charlotte, N.C. - April 28, 2010 - A dangerous thunderstorm halted the second annualWalk The Course Against Domestic Violence yesterday, shortly before the event's start at the Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, NC, washing away hopes that the event would surpass last year's $100,000 fundraising milestone. Nearly 1,000 eager participants gathered to walk up to 18 holes (5 miles) at the Quail Hollow Club for the event - a collaboration of the Avon Foundation for Women, the PGA TOUR Wives Association and the Quail Hollow Championship - to raise funds for North Carolina domestic violence agencies. The event has already raised more than $75,000 and the Avon Foundation is seeking additional funds to reach its $100,000 donation commitment.

Quail Hollow Championship officials closed the course just as walkers were lining up for the opening ceremony for the non-competitive walk. "The rain may have canceled the event, but the walkers' incredible fundraising efforts will provide hope and safety to the far too many victims of domestic violence in North Carolina who will benefit from the funds raised," said Eloise Caggiano, Avon Foundation for Women program director for Walk the Course Against Domestic Violence. "Even though we couldn't walk, the fundraising must continue because every dollar raised will help domestic violence victims and their families who desperately need help."

The Avon Foundation has paid all event expenses and 100% of every single donation will go to help those in need of shelter, support and counseling. Donations can be made atwww.WalktheCourseAgainstDV.org.

The Avon Foundation for Women will award the funds raised to four local domestic violence organizations:

• $35,000 to The Shelter of Gaston County
• $35,000 to the United Family Services Shelter for Battered Women
• $15,000 to Turning Point of Union County
• $15,000 to the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Katie Wagner, project chair of the PGA TOUR Wives Association, said: "More than 10 million children in this country witness violence in their homes each year - and that makes them twice as likely to grow up to be victims or abusers themselves. So we have to break that cycle now to keep today's children safe - both now, and in their futures. We are disappointed we were not able to walk, but we are so pleased that the funds raised by Walk the Course Against Domestic Violence participants and other generous donors will help keep women and children safe." 

Tammy Wright, who was scheduled to speak at the opening ceremony about her daughter, Brittany Leigh Bridge - who was murdered by her husband, leaving behind a 14-month-old daughter, said, "I was here last year, and I planned to walk again today with my Team Brittany because we have to put a stop to domestic violence. No parent should have to feel this kind of heartbreak and no child should grow up without knowing a mommy who loved her so very much." 

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, Avon philanthropy has awarded more than $16 million globally, including support for 400 domestic violence organizations in the United States. 

In North Carolina, 68 domestic violence related deaths were reported in 2009 and 17 deaths have been reported so far in 2010, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Domestic Violence Advocacy Council. 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 Avon Foundation for Women is a 501(c)(3) public charity and a leader in the causes of breast cancer and domestic violence. Its breast cancer grants aim to accelerate research and improve access to care. For the domestic violence cause funds are awarded for direct service and prevention programs, as well as to expand public awareness and to educate about this critical issue that affects 1 in 3 women around the world. Avon Foundation for Women and Avon global philanthropy have awarded more than $725 million in more than 50 countries for these and other causes impacting women and their families. For more information, visit avonfoundation.org.

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 pgatourwives.org.

The Quail Hollow Championship is one of the largest, most prestigious sporting events in the Charlotte region. Champions for Education, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, operates and manages the tournament and has donated over $11 million to local and regional charities since 2003. Now leading up to its eighth year, the tournament is intended as an annual tradition that will bring players and patrons back each year for an unforgettable golf experience. The 2010 tournament will be held April 26-May 2. In 2009, the tournament earned "Best In Class" as the top event on the PGA TOUR schedule. A combination of Quail Hollow Club and the spirit of the Charlotte area community are among the reasons the Quail Hollow Championship has and should continue to draw many of the world's top golfers to Charlotte.

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Walk the Course Against Domestic Violence thanks its 2010 sponsors: Gold Sponsor:Tire Kingdom; Silver Sponsor: CaroMont Health; Media Sponsors: Kiss 95.1, K104.7and Charlotte Living; Official Sponsors: CharlotteSmartyPants.com, DASANI, glaceau vitaminwater, Starbucks.