Contact: Colleen Roche 212-788-2958 or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, joined by entertainer Bill Cosby and Revlon spokeswoman Cindy Crawford, today launched the first New York City Revlon Run/Walk for Women, a five-kilometer race to benefit the fight against breast and ovarian cancer. The Run/Walk, scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd, will start in Times Square and conclude in Central Park, where finishers will be treated to a post-race concert and health expo.
"Many of us here today are all too familiar with the devastating effects of breast and ovarian cancer, whether through personal experience or through the experience of a friend or relative," Mayor Giuliani said. "Each year, breast and ovarian cancer affects hundreds of thousands of women in this nation. In fact, 2.6 million women in this country live with the disease and 200,000 more women will be diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer during this year alone.
"But thanks to the energy, compassion and fighting spirit of the professionals joining us here today, we've come to realize that no problem is insurmountable. And, because of our optimism we're making great strides in the battle against breast and ovarian cancer. The 5k Revlon Run/Walk exemplifies the kind of energy being harnessed in the fight against cancer. In the five years since the race first began, the entertainment industry and the Revlon Run/Walk for Women have raised more than $ 5 million for cancer research and have increased awareness about the disease.
"New York City is very proud to be hosting the 5k Revlon Run/Walk for the first time this year on May 2nd. All of the money that is raised from the run will go directly to fund cancer research and direct program services right here in the City. It is very fitting that the race will begin in Times Square -- what better place to start the race than at the Crossroads of the World. I want to thank Revlon and all of the organizations who are dedicating their time to this great endeavor. I urge all New Yorkers to sign-up for the Revlon Run/Walk," the Mayor concluded.
Lily Tartikoff, Co-Founder of the Revlon Run/Walk said, "The Revlon Run/Walk for Women will provide crucial funding for health care, education, and research to combat women's cancer. The response from New Yorkers has been overwhelming and we are thrilled to launch this great event in the Big Apple for the first time."
Ronald O. Perelman, Chairman, Revlon Corporation said, "The First Annual Revlon Run/Walk in New York City represents another step in our fight against breast and ovarian cancer. In addition to the millions of dollars the company contributes directly to the cause, fundraisers such as this and our Revlon Run/Walk in Los Angeles are making a difference by helping to finance research and support programs that will help eradicate cancer."
The Revlon Run/Walk for Women, founded by the collaborative efforts of Lilly Tartikoff, Ronald O. Perelman and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), is dedicated to the thousands of women who have battled cancer. Thirty-five thousand men and women participated in last year's Los Angeles event, raising over $ 2 million for local women's health programs.
Individuals who wish to register or volunteer for the Revlon Run/Walk for Women should call the Event Information number at (212) 423-2284 or can pick up an entry form at any Duane Reade store in the New York City area.