February 2, 2001

Avon Products, Inc. Presents $2,000 To Ramapo College Foundation

(Mahwah) – Avon Products Foundation, Inc. presented a $2,000 grant to the Ramapo College Foundation in support of women who are seeking college degrees while raising children.

"Avon has provided women with opportunities for economic growth and education throughout its 115 year history," said Andrea Pfeger, human resources manager at Avon Products, Inc. "Through this grant to the Ramapo College Foundation, Avon continues this tradition by funding an organization that develops programs that improve the quality of life for women and their families." Jeff Ventola, general manager at Avon’s Suffern, NY facility, presented the grant, which will be used to provide $500 child care scholarships to four deserving women students at Ramapo College.

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the north, Ramapo College of New Jersey is sometimes mistaken for a private college. This is, in part, due to its unique interdisciplinary structure emphasizing global and experiential education within an atmosphere of academic excellence, its size of around 5,000 students, and its pastoral setting. In addition to the ranking in U.S. News & World Report, Ramapo was recognized by the John Templeton Foundation, which twice has designated Ramapo as one of America’s "character-building colleges" because of its emphasis on service learning and student leadership.

A nonprofit initiative of Avon Products, Inc., the Foundation was established in 1955 and has since contributed more than $40 million to programs designed to support women. The goals of the Foundation fit with the Avon Products, Inc. vision: "To be the Company that best understands and satisfies the product, service and self-fulfillment needs of women – globally."

Avon is the world’s leading direct seller of beauty and related products, with $5.3 billion in annual revenues. Avon markets to women in 137 countries through three million independent sales representatives. Avon product lines include such recognizable brands as Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Avon Color, Far Away, Rare Gold, Perceive and Avon Skin Care. Avon also markets an extensive line of fashion jewelry, apparel, gifts and collectibles. More information on Avon and its products can be found on the company’s award-winning Web site http://www.avon.com.