A really cool thing happened a couple weeks ago when Janelle Lin the Managing Director for Step Up Women’s Network (SUWN) emailed me regarding a recent event they had in NYC sponsored by DSW. SUWN is a 10 year old organization that has several programs that benefit women all accross the US including, professional mentorship and teen emporment. They have 50K members including several celebrities and they have done some amazing things!

Janelle had received the referral to this site by a fashion pr company in NYC, which by itself is cool but what I loved even more is that by Janelle visiting the site she noticed the charity presence and felt that it would be beneficial to contact me regarding their event. I was very excited to speak with her and learn more about the event they do every year called, “Step Up & Step Out” which took place on September 27th and was sponsored by DSW. I unfortunately was not able to make the event, but I asked Janelle to send me some info on the turnout which, Alissa  Zito her Marketing Director quickly did. I hope to make it next year and look forward to learning more about this awesome charity.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Alissa Zito

310.880.9049 | alissa@suwn.org

VANESSA MINNILLO, KELLY RUTHERFORD & MORE SHOP FOR A CAUSE AT

DSW PRESENTS: STEP UP & STEP OUT

‐‐Designer shoe sale gathers philanthropic fashionistas at the W New York‐‐

 What:  Step Up Women’s Network gathered New York’s elite for an afternoon of shopping, style and service. Net proceeds from the champagne brunch and designer shoe sale benefited Step Up and its programs that empower women & teen girls. 

Who: Vanessa Minnillo served as host & honorary chair.

 Host committee members in attendance included Kelly Rutherford, Monica Botkier, Bobbie Thomas, Carolyn Kepcher, Christine Beauchamp, Jeniffer Goldman, Lida Orzeck, Lauren DeCarlo, Anne M. Russell.

 When: Saturday, September 26, 2009 • W New York

Pictured: Kelly Rutherford; Jenni Luke; Vanessa Minnillo – Photo By Fernando Leon/Elevation Photos

Presenting Sponsor DSW Shoes | Premier Sponsor W New York | Fashion Sponsor Ann Taylor

Media Partners MANHATTAN Magazine, VIVmag | Gold Sponsor Diller von Furstenberg Family Foundation Silver Sponsors Hanky Panky, Michael & Patti Dweck, Terri & Verne Holoubek Family Foundation Shoe Partners Botkier, Chinese Laundry, Decadestwo, DSW, Manolo Blahnik, Nanette Lepore, Oscar de la Renta, Sergio Rossi, Stella McCartney, Valentino Lounge Partners Equinox Fitness Clubs, Orna Skincare, tarte cosmetics Beverage Partners Barefoot Wine, illy issimo, Martini & Rossi Sparkling Rose, smartwater, vitaminwater10  Refreshment Partners Crumbs Bake Shop, JALA Ice Cream, popchips

ABOUT STEP UP WOMEN’S NETWORK

Step Up Women’s Network is a national, nonprofit membership organization with offices in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Founded in the entertainment industry and now in its 11th year, Step Up has grown to include more than 50,000 supporters who have raised millions of dollars and donated countless volunteer hours to the organization’s programs that serve women and girls. Simply stated, Step Up connects you to the professional women you need and the underserved teen girls that need you. For more information, please visit www.SUWN.org.