mark. Partners with Lauren for New Campaign

mark, the beauty and fashion boutique brand of Avon Products, Inc. announced today that the company will launch their first-ever philanthropic campaign -- m.powerment by mark -- a campaign that is dedicated to empowering young women to make their mark in the world.

For m.powerment by mark's first initiative launch, mark has partnered with Lauren Conrad, the brand's spokesperson and star of the hit reality show "The Hills" to create the Girls m.powerment Campaign, a campaign committed to preventing the cycle of dating abuse and partner violence.

"The m.powerment by mark campaign will offer young women the opportunity to become leaders in advancing their own self empowerment and inspire them to reach their greatest potential," said Claudia Poccia, Global President, mark and Avon Strategic Alliances, "We are thrilled to be partnering with Lauren Conrad, who is such a powerful role model to young women for the launch of our first initiative, the Girls m.powerment campaign. Together we are committed to educating young women about dating abuse and preventing partner violence before it even begins."

"It is a privilege for me to be partnering with mark on the Girls m.powerment Campaign," says Lauren Conrad. "Young women between the ages of 16 to 24 experience the highest rates of intimate partner violence. As a twenty-two year old, this statistic made me realize how important it is to let girls my age, know that they can be empowered to prevent this from happening in their lives."

As the spokesperson for the campaign, Lauren Conrad will serve as the first Honorary Co-Chair of the m.powerment Expert Advisory Board along with Claudia Poccia, Global President, mark and Avon Strategic Alliances. This committee will select and recommend up to five outstanding organizations that are working to end dating and relationship abuse to receive grants of up to $50,000. This program is in partnership with the Avon Foundation, a 501(c) (3) public charity that is the largest corporate foundation for women with more than $580 million raised worldwide for breast cancer, domestic violence and emergency disaster relief. Through 2007, more than $6 million has been awarded to over 400 domestic violence organizations across America.

Also as part of the initiative, Conrad has collaborated with mark to create the "Have a Heart" necklace from which 100% of the net profits will be donated to help raise funds and awareness for the cause. The necklace will retail for $22 and will be available from September 16th, 2008 . April 28th, 2009 through mark Representatives and online at www.meetmark.com. Lauren will also take part in a public service campaign to get the message out to young women everywhere.

Source: tradingmarkets.com