FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DALLAS (Sept. 26 2011) – The downturn in the economy is driving domestic violence shelters to cut much needed services to domestic violence survivors. More than 670 executive directors of domestic violence shelters reported in the third “Mary Kay Truth About Abuse” national survey of the challenges they are experiencing. In response to this call for help and in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, The Mary Kay Foundation^SM has awarded $3 million in grants to 150 domestic violence shelters in all 50 states. Each shelter will receive $20,000 that will be used to maintain emergency shelter and rehabilitation programs for women and children. With this donation The Mary Kay Foundation^SM has donated more than $28 million as part of its shelter grant program to domestic violence organizations since 2000. For a list of the 2011 domestic violence shelter grants recipients in each state please visit www.MaryKayFoundation.org.

Domestic Violence Outlook
According to the third “Mary Kay Truth About Abuse” national survey conducted in March 2011, domestic violence shelters indicate the economic downturn has increased demand for services. Shelters also report, the ability to raise funds and provide services will be hampered into 2012. Due to the economy, the survey also revealed:

• 80 percent of domestic violence shelters nationwide (more than three out of four) report an increase in women seeking assistance from abuse, and most attribute this to financial issues.
• 89 percent of domestic violence shelters expect their overall situation during the next 12 months will be worse than now, due to the economy.
• 76 percent of domestic violence shelters (three out of four) indicate their funding has decreased.
• 65 percent of women in shelters can’t find employment due to the economy.
• 56 percent of shelters note the abuse is more violent now than before the economic downturn.

“The Mary Kay Foundation^SM is proud to be able to make this great contribution particularly in these challenging times where critical services are necessary to save the lives of women and children,” said Karen Rogers, granddaughter of legendary cosmetics icon Mary Kay Ash and vice president of The Mary Kay Foundation^SM board. “We encourage others to also do what they can to help break the cycle of domestic violence.”

The Mary Kay Foundation^SM receives support to raise funds and awareness from Mary Kay Inc. For example, from Sept. 1 – Oct. 31, 2011, Mary Kay Inc. will donate $1to the Mary Kay Foundation^SM for every new Facebook fan – up to $1 million. And, consumers can join Mary Kay in its effort to change the lives of women and children around the world through the purchase of a limited-edition* Beauty that Counts^® Mary Kay^® Creme Lipstick. In the U.S., from Sept. 15 through Dec. 15, 2011, $1 will be donated to The Mary Kay Foundation^SM from each purchase of “Give Hope,” “Give Joy” and “Give Dreams,” lipstick shades to assist the Foundation’s efforts to end domestic violence. Both programs will benefit future shelter grants made by The Mary Kay Foundation^SM.

“Mary Kay has made a sustained commitment to bring an end to domestic violence and it is our hope that through education, advocacy, and donations we can help the brave survivors begin a path to recovery,” said Anne Crews, Foundation board member and vice president of Mary Kay Inc. “The Foundation’s annual grant program can help with the critical needs of domestic violence shelters as part of our ongoing effort to support domestic violence survivors and the individuals who help them every day.”

About The Mary Kay Foundation^sm
The Mary Kay Foundation^sm was created in 1996, and its mission is two-fold: to fund research of cancers affecting women and to help prevent domestic violence while raising awareness of the issue. Since the Foundation’s inception, it has awarded nearly $28 million to shelters and programs addressing domestic violence prevention and more than $16 million to cancer researchers and related causes throughout the United States. To learn more about The Mary Kay Foundation^sm, log on to www.marykayfoundation.org or call 1-877-MKCARES (652-2737).

*Available while supplies last