Step Up Women's Network Launches Windy City Chapter March 23, 2006

On March 23rd, Step Up Women?s Network will officially start its chapter activities in Chicago. The launch marks the third city with a Step Up presence ? the organization launched in Los Angeles in 1998 and New York joined its ranks soon after.

Held at 1523 N. Dearborn on the Gold Coast, a historic home opening its doors for the first time since undergoing a complete renovation by Orren Pickell Designers & Builders, the event will host 100-150 high-level prospective female members for a cocktail and hors d?oeuvres reception from 7-9pm.

Step Up Women?s Network is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to strengthening community resources for women and girls. Through hands-on community service, mentoring, and fundraising for women?s health and critical issues, Step Up educates and activates its membership to ensure that women and girls have the tools they need to create a better future.

Step Up is about philanthropy for women by women. Over the past year Step Up?s active membership has grown to over 2,500 women with a network of over 10,000. Membership is comprised of women professionals and executives, a majority of whom work in entertainment, the arts, and media-related industries. One of Step Up?s strengths comes from its members? ability to leverage their professional skills and relationships to give back to the community. Programs are designed to engage young women in a way that inspires a life-long commitment to responsible, philanthropic involvement encompassing hands-on volunteer work, leadership, and financial contributions.

Step Up?s community programs are created and executed entirely by Step Up members, and focus on four key areas: Career Opportunities and Mentorship; Health & Well-being; Life Skills; and Self-Esteem & Empowerment. Step Up provides both unique programming and an enthusiastic membership body that is eager to spend their spare time volunteering to help women and girls lead happy and fulfilling lives.

In the past year, Step Up has been featured in InStyle, Marie Claire, and Vanity Fair, and has garnered attention from Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, and a fair share of celebrity supporters. For more information, visit www.stepupwomensnetwork.org.