Every year, the Mary Kay independent sales force plays a vital role in advancing The Mary Kay Foundation’s mission of eliminating women’s cancers and domestic violence through enthusiastic fundraising. Thanks to their boundless passion and commitment, the Foundation continues to make a critical difference in the lives of women and their families.

We never cease to be amazed at the creative, ingenious and inspiring ways these exceptional women and men tap into their deepest energies and diverse talents to raise contributions and awareness for the Foundation. As we begin 2010, we want to recognize the many successes attained in 2009.

Through auctions, drawings, fall retreats, fashion shows, special happenings, sports outings, team sporting events, Team Up for Women!SM, and big and small miscellaneous ways, the independent sales force’s collective fundraising efforts contributed an amazing $341,078 to the Foundation. Here are some highlights:

Auctions – From bachelors to teacups to all kinds of goodies—going once, going twice—sold to help the Foundation.

• 11 auctions raised $7,355
• Top Fundraiser: 4th Annual In the Pink – Mesquite, NV

Fall Retreats – Spirited gatherings provide the perfect venue for education, inspiration and motivation.

• 39 fall retreats raised $52,500
• Top Fundraiser: SOS Summit & Fall Retreat – San Antonio, TX
• Pictured from left to right: SNSD Shirley Oppenheimer, NSD Terri Schafer, and SNSD Johnnette Shealy

Fashion Shows – From the chicest trends to unique vintage fashions, our independent sales force shows off their fashion sense.

• 17 fashion shows raised $35,733
• Top Fundraiser: Ray of Hope – Ann Arbor, MI
• Pictured from top left to right: Consultant Barb Dwyer, Director Phyllis Emory, Ginger Winter, lower left Consultant Julie Torres, Director Sharon Smail, and Elaine Sherwood

Independent Sales Force Happenings – With debuts, guest events, jamborees, parties, retreats and unit meetings, there’s always something fun happening.

• 103 independent sales force events raised $110,513
• Top Fundraiser: Chicago-Rama - Chicago, IL

Sports Outings – Whether walking, running, golfing or horseback riding, our independent sales force stays in action.

• 16 sports outings raised $37,987
• Top Fundraiser: Pink Power Walk – Clearwater, FL

Team Sporting Events – From partnerships with baseball, basketball, hockey and soccer teams, we root, root, root for our home team!

• 25 team sporting events raised $87,646
• Top Fundraiser: Pink at the Rink Night – Ontario, CA

Team Up for Women! – Women working together to help others propel this sixth annual effort.

• 42 fundraisers raised $43,910

Miscellaneous Functions – Through novel ideas like haircut-a-thons and recycling events, fundraising ingenuity shines.

• 125 miscellaneous events raised $56,574
• Top Fundraiser: Chronic Cantina Event – Costa Mesa, CA

The Mary Kay Foundation is grateful for the heartfelt, generous support from our dedicated donors. We salute each individual who extended a helping hand. In the year ahead, these efforts will help ensure that the momentum of achievements and Mary Kay’s giving legacy continues.

Please check this Web site regularly for more inspiring stories and news about life-changing work made possible by those with a drive to give back and change lives.