Step Up Press Contact
Kristi Blicharski
Bliss Media
310-371-8795 or email kristi@blissmediaLA.com
April 2008 - Los Angeles
LIFETIME NETWORKS PRESIDENT & CEO ANDREA WONG AND DOVE® SELF ESTEEM FUND TO BE HONORED BY STEP UP WOMEN'S NETWORK ON MAY 9
Annual Luncheon Event, also honoring Jennifer Love Hewitt, to Take Place at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel
Los Angeles, CA, April 18, 2008 — Step Up Women's Network announced today that this year's executive honoree for its annual gala Inspiration Awards event in Los Angeles on May 9th will be Andrea Wong, President & CEO of Lifetime Networks. The corporate honoree for the event will be the Dove Self-Esteem Fund. Jennifer Love Hewitt will also be honored at the event, and presenters will include Jamie Lee Curtis and Aisha Tyler. The event celebrates philanthropic accomplishment, honoring celebrities, VIPs and members alike. This year's honorees were chosen for their ongoing support of Step Up Women's Network, helping to raise critical funds for their programs, as well as for being outstanding role models for young girls.
"Andrea Wong represents everything Step Up strives to promote — she utilizes her professional success to give back and make a difference in her community. Lifetime Networks leads the entertainment industry's focus on positive messaging for women and girls," said executive director Danielle Carrig. "The Dove Self-Esteem Fund has a global commitment to promoting the self-esteem of young girls. Step Up applauds their efforts to help girls build positive self-esteem and healthy body image and we are grateful for their on-going commitment to the organization."
Each year, Step Up's star-studded Inspiration Awards fundraising events celebrate the year's most inspirational women. This year's Los Angeles event, sponsored by Halé Bob and Crystal Light, will take place May 9th at the famous Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. A similar New York event will take place on May 29th at the new IAC Building designed by Frank Gehry. Additional sponsors include Sony Pictures Entertainment, City National Bank, Macerich, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Merck & Co., Inc., The Nielsen Company, Steptoe & Johnson LLP, VTech Communications, Decipher, FedEx, Weston Benshoof LLP, Makoff Family Foundation, Creative Artists Agency, CBS, Los Angeles Magazine, and Marie Claire.
The host committee for the Los Angeles event includes Jessica Alba, Molly Sims, Melissa George, Elizabeth Berkley, Ashley Jones, Adriana Alberghetti, Andrea Bowen, Jane Buckingham, Jessica Weiner, Hilarie Burton, Rachael Leigh Cook and Garcelle Beauvais, Nancy Utley, Diane Reichenberger, Lacey Chabert, Robbin Itkin, Louise Ward, Leslie Ann Warren, JoAnna Garcia, Robbin Itkin, and Judy Sitzer, among others.
Step Up Women's Network celebrates its 10th year of service to women and girls this year. Step Up has grown to include 50,000 supporters who have raised millions of dollars and donated more than 100,000 volunteer hours to the organization's programs. Step Up is a national nonprofit membership organization, with offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
By making philanthropy accessible to every woman at any level, Step Up Women's Network is becoming the first organization that women think of when they want to make a difference. For more information, please visit www.SUWN.org.
LIFETIME is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, LIFETIME is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. LIFETIME Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real Women and Lifetime Digital (including myLifetime.com) are part of LIFETIME Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.
The Dove Self-Esteem Fund (DSEF) was established as an agent of change to inspire and educate girls and young women about a wider definition of beauty. The fund is a global commitment dedicated to helping girls build positive self-esteem and a healthy body image through educational resources, self-esteem workshops and online activities. The Dove Self-Esteem Fund has a goal of reaching 5 million girls by 2010 and to date, we are proud to have reached over 1.8 million young women.
The Dove Self-Esteem Fund is part of the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty, a global effort designed to widen today's stereotypical view of beauty. The Campaign for Real Beauty was created in 2004 after Dove commissioned a global study that found only 2 percent of women around the world describe themselves as beautiful. i
Get involved and learn more at Campaign For Real Beauty at Dove.com
i The Real Truth About Beauty: A Global Report, 2004
April 2008 - Los Angeles
Fashion Guru Nina Garcia Launches National Design Competition
Aspiring young designers give YAZ® birth control case a makeover
WAYNE, N.J., April 30, 2008 — Nina Garcia, Project Runway judge and fashion guru, is calling upon designer hopefuls everywhere to submit contemporary and fashionable packaging concepts for the oral contraceptive YAZ® (drospirenone & ethinyl estradiol). In partnership with Step Up Women's Network, a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to mentoring and empowering young women for advancement, and Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Garcia announced today the launch of the "YAZ: Step Up and Go Beyond" contest. The grand prize winner will receive $10,000 to help jumpstart a career in design.
"Whether you are an aspiring designer, graphic artist, or simply the office fashionista with a flair for what's chic, now is the chance to put your talent to the test and turn your visions into reality," said Nina Garcia.
Like many young women, Garcia dreamed of being in the fashion industry. She started her career working in the public relations department for Perry Ellis and its then head designer, Marc Jacobs. She then moved to Mirabella magazine and later to Elle, gradually rising up the ranks, and today, she is one of the world's foremost fashion trendsetters.
"The design challenge we're posing is a fashion transformation unlike any other," said Garcia. "We're taking an iconic accessory — the birth control case — and asking aspiring designers to take a shot at redesigning it into a chic, more sophisticated carrying case that they could slip into their purses."
Contestants can enter the contest online at www.PillPackMakeover.com. Design submissions will be accepted until June 30th, 2008. On behalf of Garcia, Step Up Women's Network and Bayer HealthCare, one lucky winner will receive $10,000 to invest in design classes or for the purchase of special design materials and software. The contest winner will be announced around the time of Fall Fashion Week 2008.
"At Step Up Women's Network, we are dedicated to providing women with opportunities for advancement — whether that's in their careers, education or just their everyday lives," said Danielle Carrig, Executive Director of Step Up Women's Network. "In tandem with our mission, we are pleased to be part of this unique and inspiring contest, which will tap the potential of creative designers, and spotlight their talents which may otherwise have gone unrecognized."
Putting a Spotlight on Health
YAZ is the first and only oral contraceptive approved to treat the emotional and physical premenstrual symptoms severe enough to impact a woman's life. These symptoms, called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), can include irritability, fatigue, moodiness, feeling anxious and bloating. These symptoms can also significantly impact a woman's quality of life interfering with school, work or personal relationships with others. YAZ is the only oral contraceptive (OC) that has been shown to be effective in clinical studies to reduce monthly menstrual symptoms and improve quality of life in women with PMDD.
In addition, YAZ is proven effective in treating moderate acne in women seeking contraception. In recent studies, nine out of 10 women taking YAZ saw improvement in their moderate acne. YAZ is the first and only oral contraceptive on the market clinically proven to treat both PMDD and moderate acne, providing women with health benefits beyond birth control.
About the "YAZ: Step Up and Go Beyond" Contest
The "YAZ: Step Up and Go Beyond" contest is a design competition open to people age 18 or older. Registration is available online at www.PillPackMakeover.com. Here, designers will be asked to fill out a registration form and submit an electronic file of their design along with a 100-word description. Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
- Most embodies the theme of female empowerment (25%)
- Most creative and original (25%)
- Most discreet (25%)
- Most fashion forward and stylish (25%)
Judges of the contest include Nina Garcia of "Project Runway" and Elle, Executive Director of Step Up Women's Network Danielle Carrig and Lauren Streicher MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University, Chicago. The contest is sponsored by Bayer HealthCare, in partnership with Nina Garcia and Step Up Women's Network.
About Step Up Women's Network
Step Up Women's Network is a national non-profit membership organization dedicated to strengthening community resources for young women. Through empowerment programs, women's health education and advocacy, professional mentorship and social networking opportunities, the organization aims to educate and activate their members to ensure that women have the tools they need to create a better future.
Step Up is on the cutting edge of women's social philanthropy. The programs are designed to engage women in a way that inspires a life-long commitment to responsible, philanthropic involvement encompassing hands-on volunteer work and leadership opportunities. For more information, please log on to www.SUWN.org.
About YAZ
YAZ® (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use an oral contraceptive. YAZ is also indicated for the treatment of symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in women who choose to use an oral contraceptive as their method of contraception. The effectiveness of YAZ for PMDD when used for more than three menstrual cycles has not been evaluated. YAZ has not been evaluated for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
YAZ is indicated for the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris in women at least 14 years of age, who have no known contraindications to oral contraceptive therapy and have achieved menarche. YAZ should be used for the treatment of acne only if the patient desires an oral contraceptive for birth control.
Women who would like to learn more about YAZ should call the toll-free number 1-888-84-BAYER or visit www.yaz-us.com.
Important Information About YAZ
YAZ contains 3 mg of the progestin drospirenone that has anti-mineralocorticoid activity including the potential for hyperkalemia in high-risk patients, comparable to a 25-mg dose of spironolactone.
YAZ should not be used in patients with conditions that predispose to hyperkalemia (ie, renal insufficiency, hepatic dysfunction, and adrenal insufficiency). Women receiving daily, long-term treatment for chronic conditions or diseases with medications that may increase serum potassium should have their serum potassium levels checked during the first treatment cycle. Medications that may increase serum potassium include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor antagonists, potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplementation, heparin, aldosterone antagonists, and NSAIDs.
Patients should be counseled that OCs do not protect against HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases. The use of oral contraceptives is associated with increased risks of several serious conditions including venous and arterial thrombotic and thromboembolic events (such as myocardial infarction, thromboembolism, stroke), hepatic neoplasia, gallbladder disease, and hypertension. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects; women who take OCs are strongly advised not to smoke.
About Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. is the U.S.-based pharmaceuticals operation of Bayer HealthCare LLC, a division of Bayer AG. One of the world's leading, innovative companies in the healthcare and medical products industry, Bayer HealthCare combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Consumer Care, Diabetes Care, and Pharmaceuticals divisions. In the United States, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals comprises the following business units: Women's Healthcare, Diagnostic Imaging, Specialized Therapeutics, Hematology, and Oncology. The company's aim is to discover and manufacture products that will improve human health worldwide by diagnosing, preventing and treating diseases.
Contacts:
Rose Talarico, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals (973) 305-5302, rose.talarico@bayer.com
Johanna Fleischman, Ogilvy Public Relations, (212) 880-5204, johanna.fleischman@ogilvypr.com
June 2007 - Los Angeles
INSPIRATION EAST
Step Up Women's Network celebrates
the Third Annual Inspiration Awards in NYC
On Thursday, June 7, 2007, Step Up Women's Network celebrated another year of philanthropic achievement at its Third Annual Inspiration Awards gala in New York City. Emceed by Ivanka Trump, the event honored Atoosa Rubenstein (Founding Editor of CosmoGIRL! and Former Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen), WNBA All Star Kym Hampton, and Ulta, a leading online beauty retailer and major supporter of Step Up.
This year's Inspiration Awards, sponsored by Lipton Pyramid Teas, took place at Lotus Space in Chelsea. This sold-out event was followed by the Inspiration Awards After Party also held at Lotus Space. The After Party included an open bar, desserts, a luxury silent auction, and a special gift bag for all attendees. All proceeds from the event were invested towards Step Up's community programs for women and girls.
In conjunction with the event, Step Up Women's Network has partnered with Charity Folks, the leading online marketplace for nonprofit fundraising, to launch an unprecedented online auction. Proceeds will benefit the organization's experiences and chances to attend exclusive events such as; two tickets to the premiere of the anticipated Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix, plus after party passes, two tickets to the February 2008 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Party in New York City, four passes to visit the set of The Bold and the Beautiful, plus lunch with star Ashley Jones, a one-week stay at a five bedroom villa in Bali, Indonesia, eight VIP President's Row seats for NASCAR's Nextel Cup, private tour of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s pit stall, plus an autographed hat. Bidding ends on June 18th at 6:00 p.pm EST at www.charityfolks.com
"The 3rd Annual Inspiration Awards Gala was an absolute success. We surpassed our fundraising goals and were able to raise much needed funds for our after school youth programs and women's health programs. The room was filled with dynamic men and women — over 400 — who came out to support the organization," says Janelle Lin, Managing Director of Step Up New York
"The Inspiration Awards are our chance to celebrate Step Up's tremendous accomplishments over the past year," said Executive Director Danielle Carrig. "With our national membership campaign underway at SUWN.org, Step Up is becoming the first organization that women think of when they want to give back to the community in a high-impact way."
Step Up's greatest asset is its tight-knit community of active members, who invest in the organization through their membership dues, as well as hands-on volunteering, fundraising, and mentoring. "Step Up is dedicated to activating and developing the next generation of female philanthropists and leaders," Lin. Cari Sommers, President of Step Up New York, notes, "Step Up's model of philanthropy fits into these women's busy lifestyles, which is why our New York membership is growing at such an exponential rate." Step Up's members are generally between the ages of 25-45, earning an annual income of $100,000+.
Step Up Women's Network was founded in 1998 by Kaye Popofsky Kramer, a former talent agent whose mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Inspired to make a difference, Kramer formed Step Up to bring women together to strengthen community resources for women and girls. Step Up has grown to include 40,000 supporters who have raised millions of dollars and donated more than 100,000 volunteer hours to the organization's programs. Step Up is a national nonprofit membership organization, with offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
By making philanthropy accessible to every woman at any level, Step Up Women's Network is becoming the first organization that women think of when they want to make a difference. For more information, please visit SUWN.org.
April 2007 - Los Angeles
Enter Inspiration
Step Up Women's Network celebrates at Inspiration Awards
On April 20th, Step Up Women's Network celebrated another year of philanthropic accomplishment with a gala Inspiration Awards event in Los Angeles honoring celebrities, VIPs and members alike.
"The Inspiration Awards are our chance to celebrate how much Step Up Women's Network has accomplished," said executive director Danielle Carrig. "With our national membership campaign starting at StepUpWomensNetwork.org, Step Up is well on its way to becoming the first organization women think of when they think of making a difference."
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Each year, Step Up's star-studded Inspiration Awards fundraising luncheons celebrate the year's most inspirational women. This year's Los Angeles event, sponsored by Escada, took place April 20th at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles; A similar New York event will take place on June 2nd, hosted by Ivanka Trump.
The Los Angeles event honored actress Sara Ramirez, author and philanthropist Deborah Santana, Nancy Utley of Fox Searchlight and Step Up founding board member Louise Ward of Innovative Artists.
The host committee included Jessica Alba, Mimi Rogers, Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon, Elizabeth Rohm, Jane Buckingham, Adriana Alberghetti, and Kerry Washington, among others.
Confirmed celebrity guests included Aisha Tyler (presenting), Alfre Woodard (presenting), Joanna Garcia, Ashlee Jones, Sarah Jane Morris, Kelly Rutherford, Lacey Chabert, Melissa George, Kali Rocha (presenting) and Brooke Lee (former Ms. USA), among others.
Many of these celebrities wore a bracelet to benefit Step Up's new 2007 national campaign. Sponsored by Crystal Light, designed by Roberta Chiarella and featuring Swarovski aurora borealis crystals, the limited-edition bracelet includes a unique flower charm that reflects the Step Up Women's Network logo. The bracelet launched in April and retails for $38 at SUWN.org/Shop4StepUp.
March 2007 - Los Angeles
About Step Up Women's Network
Spring 2007 National Membershipt Initiatives
Step Up's national membership initiative launches this spring with a new website featuring the "You Are My Inspiration" campaign. Visitors can purchase from a "wish list" of items that benefit specific programs, such as jump ropes or yoga mats for a health program.
Nationwide, website visitors can support the organization through becoming a member, donating to a specific program, buying tickets to upcoming events, becoming a program sponsor, or visiting www.SUWN.org/Shop4StepUp to buy exclusive merchandise that directly benefits the organization.
Locally, through chapters in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, members can donate their time to hands-on Step Up programs, such as Celebrity hosted Goddess Days full of empowering activities-makeovers, meditation, art and wellness classes-that help build girls' self esteem, or the Girl of the Month event in which a girl who demonstrates significant progress in health, self-esteem or career growth through one of Step Up's local affiliate programs is honored.
Where Step Up differs from other organizations is in its ability to reward these members with valuable professional mentorship programs that allow them to benefit both professionally and personally-just as their involvement in Step Up's programs benefits disadvantaged women and girls. Through Step Up mentoring, members have gone onto find new career passions, land jobs beyond their dreams and make new like-minded friends.
Step Up Women's Network has a strong roster of celebrity supporters, including Jessica Alba, Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon, Courteney Cox-Arquette, Geena Davis, Brooke Shields, Aisha Tyler, Kerry Washington, Anjelica Huston, Jane Kaczmarek, Marg Helgenberger and Anne Hathaway, among others.
Step Up Women's Network was founded in 1998 by Kaye Popofsky Kramer, a former talent agent whose mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, prompting Kramer to step up and take personal responsibility for how she could make a difference, and inspiring everyone she knew to do the same. Step Up has grown to include 40,000 supporters who have raised millions of dollars and donated more than 100,000 volunteer hours to the organization's programs. In return, these members benefit professionally through mentorship and development programs that help them rise to the top in their chosen fields.
By making philanthropy accessible to every woman at any level, Step Up Women's Network should be the first organization that women think of when they think of making a difference. For more information, please log on to SUWN.org.
