LOS ANGELES, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading beauty retailer ULTA and American Idol's Katharine McPhee honored the inspirational achievements of Step Up Women's Network at a Hollywood luncheon today and celebrated the launch of YouAreMyInspiration.org, an innovative fundraising website in support of underserved teen girls.

Hosted by ULTA with support from In Style, the event recognized the mission of Step Up Women's Network -- a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to strengthening community resources for women and girls. Attendees included influencers from the beauty, entertainment and publishing industries as well as local girls involved in Step Up's teen empowerment programs.

"We are inspired by the work of Step Up Women's Network and are proud to be aligned with an organization that shares our dedication to helping women in every aspect of their lives," said Lyn Kirby, CEO, ULTA. "We are especially pleased to help Step Up transform their creative web-based outreach into a reality, expanding their ability to touch more women through the spirit of inspiration."

With support from ULTA, YouAreMyInspiration.org was created as an interactive online gift house where women can honor someone special in their lives while helping to create better futures for underserved teen girls. Visitors to the site can acknowledge women who have inspired them with a special "inspiration gift" donation to Step Up Women's Network. Each donation directly benefits teen girls with a selection of companion gifts including: providing healthy snacks for after-school programs, purchasing a year's supply of school books, funding a college tour visit and sponsoring an empowerment back-to-school celebration for 30 girls.

For each donation of $50 or more, the honoree will receive a limited edition necklace symbolizing the power of inspiration, designed through collaboration between ULTA and famed jewelry artist Isabelle Bijoux. The necklace has a geometric charm stamped with the phrase "I am beautiful. I am me." and features five gemstones signifying tenets of inspiration: loyalty, confidence, courage, love and success. All visitors are encouraged to post stories of inspiration on the website, creating an online community of photos and personal testimonials.

"Our new website provides a meaningful way for women to get involved while paying tribute to women in their own lives" said Kaye Popofsky Kramer, Founder, Step Up Women's Network. "It's a unique way to give back and reminds us all of the importance of inspiration in our lives and our communities."

Katharine McPhee spoke at the luncheon about her own inspirational role model. "My mother encouraged me to follow my dream during the American Idol experience and beyond," said Ms. McPhee. "Her love and confidence inspired me to achieve my goals in music and eventually as an actress. Today, I am delighted to support Step Up Women's Network by encouraging women to honor the women in their lives who inspired them to achieve their dreams." Ms. McPhee has catapulted her career into new areas of success, releasing her first musical album and appearing in the upcoming film "House Bunny" opposite Anna Faris for Sony Pictures.

Celebrity chef Akasha catered the luncheon and generously donated her culinary services for the event. Known for her creative organic meals, Akasha is chef/owner of Akasa's Visionary Cuisine in Los Angeles and will be opening AKASHA restaurant in Culver City this fall.

Be&D, a luxury handbag brand created by Be Inthavong and Steve Dumain, designed an exclusive handbag for the event. Loved by fashionistas and celebrities alike, Be&D's creations often pay homage to Inthavong's birthplace (Laos) by incorporating traditional Laotian elements into their designs. Many stars have been known to carry their bags, including Elle MacPherson and the Duff sisters.

ULTA is a leading beauty shopping destination and online retailer that provides women with a truly uplifting and educational beauty experience. ULTA combines an unparalleled selection of brand name cosmetics, skin care, hair care, styling tools and fragrances ranging from mass-market to prestige. Understanding the shopping needs of women, the ULTA experience is an inviting and memorable atmosphere where customers are encouraged to relax, refresh and enjoy. The professional staff offers up-to-the-minute beauty advice, and the full service salon and skin health services make ULTA the complete beauty destination. With over 200 stores in 26 states, 20,000 products and an interactive website (http://www.ulta.com/), ULTA is a favorite for beauty must-haves, news and advice.

Step Up Women's Network is a national non-profit membership organization founded in 1998 and dedicated to strengthening community resources for women and girls. Through teen empowerment programs for underserved girls, women's health education and advocacy, professional mentorship and social networking opportunities, Step Up Women's Network educates and activates members to ensure women and girls have the tools they need to create a better future.

CONTACT: Mora Neilson, mora.neilson@rprny.com, and Candice Weissman,
candice.weissman@rprny.com, both of Rpr Marketing Communications,
+1-212-317-1462

Web site: http://www.youaremyinspiration.org/
http://www.ulta.com/