(NAPSA)—Research has shown that an investment in women is an investment in the community. That’s the driving idea behind a unique new initiative designed to empower women and help change our world. Avon Products, Inc., a leading supporter of women for over 120 years, has created the Avon Hello Tomorrow Fund. Every week for a year, from April 2007 to April 2008, the Hello Tomorrow Fund will award $5,000 to a U.S. individual to help realize a program, project or idea to empower women in one of three areas: business development, community service or awareness and outreach. Similar programs are being launched by Avon in 18 countries worldwide. “The Hello Tomorrow Fund is the latest realization of Avon’s profound commitment to empowering women around the world,” said Andrea Jung, Chairman and CEO of Avon. “Given the resources, women can impact their lives, families and communities in meaningful ways. Women can change our world.” The winnerswill be selected by an expert panel of judges including Suze Orman, America’s most recognized expert on personal finance. The first winner was announced on April 17: Joyce Ford of Florence, 8.C., who will use her cash award for the Naomi Project, which provides women victims of domestic violence and aon 2AN MELLO TOMORROW FUND A unique program is providing cash awards to help empower women—with an eye toward changing the world for the better. their school-age children transitional housing coupled with edu- cational, financial and emotional support to help them becomeselfsufficient. About the Fund The Hello Tomorrow Fundwill provide one $5,000 award per week to a deserving individual whowill be selected from the pool of applicants by an expert panelof judges. Women and menareeligible to apply, and the winningprograms must present unique and achievable initiatives to empower women or girls and ultimately improve society in one of three areas: * Business Development: A for- profit business that directly empowers women through its mis- sion, product or service, or through the meansof doing business. Community Service: A nonprofit project or program that helps women of any age realize their full potential or overcome obstacles. Awareness and Outreach: A project or program designed to educate others about an issue that affects women, to inspire and empower other women and have a positive impact on theissue. Applications and guidelines are available online at www.avon. com/hellotomorrowfund. Hardcopy applications may be requested by writing to: Avon Hello Tomorrow Fund, c/o Changing Our World, 220 East 42 St., 7th floor, New York, NY 10017. Applications are accepted through December 10, 2007. One winner will be publicly announced every Tuesday until April 2008 through the Hello Tomorrow Fund Web site, and profiles of the winners will be featured on the site to share their inspiring ideas. To further the program’s mission, the Website also offers links to resources and organizations committed to advancing women and women’s issues. This service will provide informationto all persons interested in these issues regardless of participation in the Hello Tomorrow Fund. To learn more about Avon and its products and programs, visit www.avoncompany.com.
