Avon Foundation for Women Teams with TOUR Wives

January 18, 2011

By PGA TOUR Staff

NEW YORK—The Avon Foundation for Women, in collaboration with the PGA TOUR Wives Association, the Wells Fargo Championship and the BMW Championship announced the third annual Walk the Course Against Domestic Violence season, which expands to two cities in 2011: Charlotte, N.C., and Lemont, Ill. Walk the Course is a non-competitive, family-friendly event for all ages, with 100 percent of proceeds raised at each event benefiting local domestic-violence agencies. Participants will walk 18 holes (approximately five miles) alongside tournament players’ wives and families to raise much-needed funds and awareness for the domestic violence cause.

The third annual walk in Charlotte will take place May 3 at the Quail Hollow Club in conjunction with the PGA TOUR’s Wells Fargo Championship. The inaugural Walk the Course-Chicagoland will take place Sept. 13 at the Cog Hill Golf & Country Club prior to the BMW Championship, part of the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup.

Statistics have shown that one in three women in the U.S. will become a victim of abuse or partner violence in her life. In 2010, 63 people in North Carolina lost their lives because of a domestic assault; in Illinois during a one-year period, between 2009-2010, 76 people died. The goal of Walk the Course Against Domestic Violence is to draw attention to this difficult issue that affects women of every race, age and background and to work to change the course of domestic violence for all victims and their families.

The funds raised at the events will enable local domestic violence agencies to continue to help individuals affected by domestic violence, as well as to educate people about the issue, with the goal to help create a world without domestic violence. The 2010 Walk the Course-Charlotte drew nearly 1,000 participants, with all proceeds ($100,000) donated to North Carolina domestic violence agencies. In 2011, the Avon Foundation will again award all proceeds from this event to deserving local agencies including The Shelter of Gaston County, United Family Services Shelter for Battered Women, Turning Point of Union County and the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Beneficiaries of the proceeds from the inaugural Walk the Course-Chicagoland will be announced at a later date.

“The Avon Foundation for Women is committed to Speaking Out Against Domestic Violence,” said Carol Kurzig, president, Avon Foundation for Women. “We are so pleased to partner for a third year with the PGA TOUR Wives Association and the Wells Fargo Championship, and we are thrilled to announce our new partner, the BMW Championship, as we expand the Walk the Course Against Domestic Violence event to the Chicago area. Walk the Course makes a significant difference in the local communities where it takes place, generating more resources for those who need them most.”

Walk the Course Against Domestic Violence is the latest initiative of the Avon Foundation for Women Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program. Since Speak Out launched in 2004, the Avon Foundation for Women has awarded more than $23 million to domestic violence organizations in the United States alone.

Amy Wilson, president, PGA TOUR Wives Association, said, "2011 marks the third consecutive year the PGA TOUR Wives Association has partnered with the Avon Foundation and Wells Fargo Championship in the fight against domestic violence. Charlotte has found a special place in our hearts, and we look forward to returning to the Carolinas and walking beside members of such a dedicated community. The PTWA travels the country working with and lifting up children and their families. Charlotte is one of the most inspiring communities we visit all year.”

“Since we became a partner with the Avon Foundation and the PGA TOUR Wives Association, we have seen the passion and support grow on the local level. Despite the fact the weather didn’t allow us to actually hold the walk last year, the enthusiasm of all participants was remarkable and funds were still raised to help support women and children who have experienced domestic violence.  In just a few short years, Tuesday of tournament week has taken on a very special meaning as we all work together to raise awareness for this important cause,” said Kym Hougham, the Wells Fargo Championship executive director.

Registration for both 2011 events is now open and participants can register online at WalktheCourseAgainstDV.org or by calling 866-646-2866. Fund-raising is voluntary, but encouraged. Fund-raising incentive prizes are offered to help inspire the participants. Top fundraisers will have the opportunity to meet PGA TOUR golfers participating in the Wells Fargo and BMW Championships at a special reception immediately following the each walk.