Fergie was a special guest at the eighth annual Los Angeles-area Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Santa Barbara, CA, on September 11-12. The Avon Walk raised more than $6.4 million to advance access to care and breast cancer research, and attracted more than 2,800 participants from 45 states and Canada, including 322 breast cancer survivors.Fergie, a global ambassador for the Avon Foundation for Women, walked alongside walkers on the last leg of their weekend-long, 39.3-mile journey, boosting their spirits for the final stretch of the 13-mile route on Sunday. After crossing the finish line at Carpinteria State Beach on Sunday afternoon, Fergie congratulated the Avon Walk Santa Barbara's top ten fund-raisers. She then joined the Walk participants' family, friends and supporters at the inspirational Closing Ceremony to announce a total of more than $3 million in initial grants awarded to 12 organizations in Southern California.
"I had the chance to meet some of you out on the route today and hear stories of why you walk," Fergie said at the Closing Ceremony. "I can only say – for me and my mom and father who are with me – thank you. Thank you for taking a stand and for walking an insane amount of miles to fight breast cancer. I'm sure you all know how much good the money you raised will do."
In addition to Fergie, breast cancer survivor, Noelle Krejci, from Corona, CA, also took part in the Closing Ceremony, sharing her moving story of triumph over breast cancer and providing inspiration to the thousands of people present. Also joining Fergie on stage was Dr. Susan Love, a leader in the breast cancer movement for more than 30 years, who accepted a grant to advance the work of the Love/Avon Army of Women.
Avon Foundation President Carol Kurzig said, "We are delighted with the success of our Avon Walk Santa Barbara and with the funds we are able to award to the Southern California organizations leading the fight against breast cancer. This is a return to our Southern California roots since the very first long-distance breast cancer walk to benefit the Avon Foundation for Women took place here in 1998. We are especially privileged that Fergie joined us to make our return so memorable. In her solo career and as the female vocalist for the Black Eyed Peas, Fergie has risen to the top of the music world; but she's a California girl and knows how important it is to help those in need."
Fergie presented 12 grants at the Closing Ceremony, dramatically demonstrating how the funds raised will immediately benefit the community. More grants are slated to be awarded throughout the year to breast cancer programs in California and nationwide.
