Mary Kay Ash believed that motivation, recognition and an unlimited opportunity could transform women, empowering them to achieve better lives for themselves and their families. Yet domestic violence can threaten and destroy the dream in an instant. Here are a few highlights of what we’re doing as a company to protect women and their families and to help end the cycle of domestic violence around the world.

  United States

In spring of 2007, Mary Kay Inc. sponsored a special event on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., along with other direct selling companies and the National Network to End Domestic Violence and the National Network to End Sexual Violence to raise awareness of domestic violence.

In an effort to recognize the contribution of Mary Kay Ash to women and for changing women’s lives, the Texas Legislature and the governor of Georgia proclaimed Mary Kay Day in May 2007. The governor and State of Alabama also proclaimed Mary Kay Day in May 2006 on the steps of the Alabama Capitol Building in Montgomery.

In 2007 the Dallas County Commissioner’s Court approved ongoing and permanent funding of two full-time positions in the family violence section of the District Attorney’s office following an unprecedented two-year public/private partnership grant from Mary Kay Inc. that allowed for the creation of these positions.

In 2002 Mary Kay Inc. underwrote the groundbreaking documentary “Breaking the Silence: Journeys of Hope,” which addresses the issue of violence against women. In 2005 the Company sponsored a second documentary, “Breaking the Silence: The Children’s Stories,” which focused on the impact of domestic violence on children.

The Direct Selling Association awarded Mary Kay Inc. with its Vision for Tomorrow Award in 2002, 2006 and 2007 for the Company’s community efforts to raise awareness and stop violence against women and children.

  Mexico

Since 2001, Mary Kay Mexico has helped create, construct and operate numerous domestic violence shelters for women throughout the country. Mary Kay Mexico created the Dar amor y esperanza program (the give love and hope program), a non-profit program that offers financial support to governmental agencies that provide educational programs and shelter to victims of violence. To date, the Dar Program has raised 6.5 million pesos, and contributions to the program have been instrumental in funding seven of the 40 shelters for battered women that currently operate in Mexico. More than 1,200 families and 10,000 women have received psychological and legal support through these specialized centers.

  China

Mary Kay China established a domestic violence hotline for women in conjunction with the All China Women’s Federation. The service began in January 2003 for the women of Shanghai, the city where Mary Kay China headquarters is located. In 2005 Mary Kay China expanded the hotline to serve 33 cities.

  Brazil

To help raise awareness and end domestic violence in Brazil, Mary Kay Brazil launched its own version of the Dar amor y esperanza program (the give love and hope program). The corporate team in São Paulo launched a very successful campaign to the independent sales force in April 2007 called “It is time to donate.” Whenever an independent sales force member purchases a special cellular phone accessory from the Company, a portion of the proceeds are donated to help victims of domestic violence in Brazil. The Mary Kay independent sales force has embraced the program with great enthusiasm and has already exceeded the goals initially set for the promotion. Mary Kay Brazil plans to announce which domestic violence organization it will support during the Company’s 10th anniversary year in 2008. A check will be presented to the organization during the annual Seminar event in February 2008.