Mary Kay Ash inspired us with her belief in success for all people, most notably women. As an experienced leader in the business world she felt it vital that all women should have the opportunity to attain their goals and never be limited by anything but their own imagination and drive to succeed. A person is actually a product of their own thoughts; and when you think big, you achieve big things.

Consistently, our donors have joined with us in big, big ways to support Mary Kay's dream of eliminating cancers that affect women and ending domestic violence. They are truly impressive and inspiring! Their steadfast commitment and heartfelt energies have enabled the Foundation to make a difference in the lives of women and their families through grants and creative initiatives. Our support for vital programs has surged from $500,000 in 1997 to $3.6 million in 2004 to $5.8 million in 2009, our largest amount of giving ever.

Here are highlights of what we accomplished together in 2009:

• Granted 150 domestic violence shelters $20,000 each – a total of $3 million
• Awarded 13 respected doctors and medical scientists $100,000 each in cancer research grants – a total of $1.3 million
• Donated $500,000 to CancerCare Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free professional help to people with cancer, for its Touching Hearts program
• Contributed $300,000 to the National Network to End Domestic Violence with $200,000 earmarked to support the Amy's Courage Fund, which provides assistance to victims of domestic violence and their children.
• $200,000 to the Arbor Day Foundation for Nature Explore Classrooms at five domestic violence shelters across the United States
• Raised $136,957 in the Team Up For Women! Challenge
• Raised $378,110 from donations at Seminar 2009
• Raised more than $76,700 in sponsorships in the 5th annual MK5K®

By sustaining our big hopes, dreams and actions, we will continue to be a positive force in the world.