Celebrities Kiss Domestic Violence Goodbye

Celebrities Kiss Domestic Violence Goodbye

Martina McBride Joins Mary Kay and CMA to Launch 'A Kiss for Country' Charity Campaign

DALLAS, Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Ever dreamed about getting a kiss from songstress Miranda Lambert or some sugar from Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles? Mary Kay, the Official Beauty Sponsor of "The 41st Annual CMA Awards," has enlisted the help of Country Music superstar Martina McBride to turn these celebrity fantasies into realities with a new philanthropic initiative to counter domestic violence. As part of the national "A Kiss for Country" charity campaign being unveiled by McBride, top Country Music artists have partnered with Mary Kay to auction off their kiss prints to benefit the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation programs committed to ending domestic violence.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071106/NYTU003 )

On Tuesday, Nov. 6, McBride will join Mary Kay and CMA Chief Executive Officer Tammy Genovese at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to unveil the celebrity-smooched "kiss cards" and show her ongoing commitment to the prevention of domestic violence.

"As a performer, I am lucky to have the opportunity to share my messages with the public, but through 'A Kiss for Country,' Mary Kay is allowing me to spread hope," said Martina McBride, the longtime champion of the cause against domestic violence. "Through the kisses of my fellow Country Music artists and the generous contributions of the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, we are hoping to help put an end to domestic violence."

To help Mary Kay kiss domestic violence goodbye, spokesperson Martina McBride and participating Country Music artists, including Reba McEntire, Sara Evans, Jennifer Hanson, Miranda Lambert, Jo Dee Messina, Jennifer Nettles, Tanya Tucker and Wynonna applied their favorite Mary Kay lip products, ranging from Mary Kay Crème Lipstick in Mocha Freeze to Mary Kay NouriShine Lip Gloss in Pink Diamonds, and imparted their lip prints on specially designed "kiss cards." Adding a fun element, the lip prints were analyzed by a professional "kissologist" and will be displayed backstage at the Mary Kay Makeup Touch-Up Station at the 2007 CMA Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 7. On Tuesday, Nov. 6, fans will have the chance to bid on their favorite star's kiss prints through an auction on uBid.com, with 100 percent of proceeds being donated to help end domestic violence.

Mary Kay is stepping up the commitment by providing a $20,000 grant to a women's shelter through the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation in each participating artist's name in exchange for their kiss print. These grants will be awarded in 2008 to women's domestic violence shelters in each of the 50 states. In 2008, the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation pledges to donate up to $3 million to women's shelters around the country.

"With one in three women in this country affected by domestic violence, it is important for survivors to know there is hope and help in their neighborhood. We are thrilled to partner with Martina and some of the top names in Country Music to shine the spotlight on this cause," said Rhonda Shasteen, Mary Kay senior vice president, global brand strategy. "The Country Music community is generous and committed and we are honored to offer stars and fans alike the chance to unite against this cause."

"This unique partnership between the Country Music Association, Mary Kay and the Country Music community, has given us the opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of survivors of domestic violence, a problem that is unfortunately too prevalent in our country," said CMA's Genovese.

"The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation is grateful for the partnership and support of the Country Music Association, as well as the generosity of such high-profile Country Music artists for contributing to the 'A Kiss for Country' charitable campaign." said Karen Rogers, Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation Board Member and granddaughter of Mary Kay Ash. "Together we can make a difference and help break the silence on violence."

About the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation

Founded in 1996 by Mary Kay Ash, the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation supports research dedicated to finding cures for cancers affecting women and programs committed to ending domestic violence. This year, the Foundation awarded $1.3 million in research grants to a select group of research scientists. In 2006, the Foundation awarded $20,000 grants to 150 women's shelters in all 50 states, totaling $3 million. For more information about the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, visit www.mkacf.org or call 1-877- MKCARES (652-2737).

About Mary Kay

Mary Kay Inc., one of the largest direct sellers of skin care and color cosmetics in the world, achieved another year of record results in 2006, with $2.25 billion in wholesale sales. Founded in 1963, the Mary Kay independent sales force today includes more than 1.7 million people in more than 30 markets worldwide. Mary Kay's offerings include more than 200 premium products in five categories: facial skin care, color cosmetics, body care, sun protection and fragrance. To learn more about Mary Kay or to find an Independent Beauty Consultant, visit www.marykay.com or call 1-800-MARY KAY (627-9529).

About the Country Music Association

Founded in 1958, the Country Music Association was the first trade organization formed to promote a type of music. More than 6,000 music industry professionals and companies from around the globe are members of CMA. The organization's objectives are to advance the growth of Country Music around the world and to demonstrate it as a viable medium to advertisers, consumers, and the media through CMA's core initiatives - CMA Music Festival and the CMA Awards.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071106/NYTU003
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Mary Kay

CONTACT: Jill A. Kleiner, jkleiner@coynepr.com, or Rena Steinbach,
rsteinbach@coynepr.com, both of Coyne PR for Mary Kay, +1-973-316-1665

Web site: http://www.marykay.com/
http://www.mkacf.org/

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Profile: International Entertainment