L'Oreal Paris Announces Winners of Inaugural Women of Worth Program that Salutes Volunteerism Across America.

NEW YORK -- L'Oreal Paris, the leader in total beauty care, proudly announced the culmination of the inaugural year of its Women of Worth program with the naming of the seven recipients at the CNN Inspire Summit Tuesday, October 10th in New York City. Over 1,600 women from across the Unites States were nominated by their peers for community activism and this year's winners are living examples of the beauty of giving backCoreal women affecting real change, while collectively improving the lives of thousands of people.

The winners go above and beyond simple involvement. A focus on "hands on" helping, reflective of the recent national trend of grassroots activism, is endemic in each woman's story. The seven winners transcend economic and social class, and represent causes diverse in scope and geography: Paula "P.K." Beville, 52, Marietta, GA, founded "Second Wind Dreams," a national non-profit fulfilling the dreams of those living in eldercare communities; Maria Bye, 56, Voorhees, NJ, works with the "Alicia Rose 'Victorious' Foundation," a organization that provides activities, programs and events that enhance the quality of life for adolescents with life-threatening conditions; Laura Distelheim, 48, Highland Park, IL, founded "Neighbor to Neighbor" to combat hunger among impoverished children living in her community; Erika Ebbel, 25, Cambridge, MA, founded "Whizkids" to reignite student interest in math and science programs; Denise Resnik, 46, Phoenix, AZ, co-founded "The Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center," a non-profit, community-based organization dedicated to research, education and resources for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families; Sarah Reynolds, 74, Lenoir City, TN, the driving force behind the "Women Build" program that encourages women of all ages to participate in Habitat for Humanity home builds in her community; Shawnee Isaac Smith, 50, Santa Monica, CA, founded "The Heart Touch Project," a non-profit educational and service organization dedicated to the delivery of compassionate massage therapy free of charge to homebound and hospitalized men, women and children.

The Women of Worth program brings to life L'Oreal Paris' "Because I'm Worth It" signature phrase, recognizing the achievements of real women who embody the spirit of the L'Oreal Paris brandCowomen who possess self confidence and are committed to distinguishing their own lives by making a difference in the lives of others.

The judging panel included a number of women who have made notable strides in their own careers: Carol Hamilton, President, L'Oreal Paris; Amber Coffman, Appointee, President's Council on Service & Civic Participation; Dayle Haddon, L'Oreal Paris Spokesperson and Author; Faith Kates, Co-President/Founder, Next Model Management and President of the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund; Julie Chen, Anchor, "The Early Show"; Melanie Washington, Founder, Mentoring, A Touch From Above; Julie Thomas, Executive Director, Volunteer Center of North America; and Amy Gross, Editor-in-Chief of O, The Oprah Magazine. The nominees were judged on how well their project addressed a specific community need, the impact her organization has had, and the project's level of creativity and innovation.

Each winner received a monetary donation to her cause. L'Oreal Paris also made a matching donation in each woman's name to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, L'Oreal Paris' charity of record. L'Oreal Paris plans to grow the program in upcoming years by increasing the number of women recognized across the country.

The L'Oreal Paris Brand Division of L'Oreal USA, Inc. is a total beauty care company that combines the latest in technology with the highest in quality for the ultimate in luxury beauty at mass. The L'Oreal Paris product family includes Preference, Excellence, Natural Match, Feria, and Couleur Experte haircolors; VIVE Pro, Studio Line, and L'Oreal Kids hair care; Dermo-Expertise skin care, including Advanced Revitalift, Wrinkle De-Crease, Age Perfect, Men's Expert, Sublime Slim and Sublime Bronze; and L'Oreal Paris Cosmetics, including Colour Riche lip colors, True Match Makeup, Wear Infinite eyeshadows, Voluminous, Double Extend, Lash Out, and Volume Shocking mascaras, among many others, and the HIP High Intensity Pigments line.