NEW YORK, Dec. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- L'Oreal Paris hosted its eighth annual Women of Worth celebration last night at The Pierre in New York City. The event brought together an esteemed group of notable guests, company executives, business leaders, philanthropists and former honorees to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the 2013 Women of Worth honorees. United in their extraordinary efforts and dedication to their causes, the 10 women recognized are raising the bar and breaking new ground to pursue their passions and make positive changes in their communities.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131204/NY27763-a)
(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131204/NY27763-b)

From a Sandy Hook Elementary School teacher empowering teachers across the country to teach students compassion, to a nurse aiding terminally-ill seniors in accomplishing their bucket lists, to a culinary entrepreneur building and running a nonprofit restaurant that helps at-risk youth learn life skills, the 2013 Women of Worth honorees are tackling some of the country's most pressing issues. The inspiring and star-studded evening featured a number of special presentations by L'Oreal Paris ambassadors Diane Keaton, Andie MacDowell, Lea Michele and Aimee Mullins. Women of Worth 2012 National Honoree and Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman, Mika Brzezinski, Arianna Huffington, Hoda Kotb, Mary Alice Stephenson and Trisha Yearwood also helped recognize the 2013 Women of Worth honorees.

"We've been deeply touched by each of the honoree's stories and amazed at their steadfast determination, business savvy and personal perseverance to achieve success for the causes that they so tirelessly crusade," said L'Oreal Paris President, Karen T. Fondu. "These incredible entrepreneurs and philanthropists truly epitomize everything our Women of Worth program represents, and should serve as inspiration for women and men everywhere who strive to make a difference."

NATIONAL WOMEN OF WORTH HONOREE
Lauren Book of Aventura, Fla. and Founder and CEO of Lauren's Kids
With the support of thousands who submitted votes during the month of November on WomenofWorth.com and L'Oreal Paris' social channels, Lauren Book was revealed as this year's National Honoree and awarded an additional $25,000 for her work with Lauren's Kids, a nonprofit focused on preventing childhood sexual abuse and helping survivors heal. A sexual abuse survivor herself, Lauren has made it her mission to turn her horrific experience into a vehicle for change. Her work has helped shine a light on the dark issue of child sexual abuse, protected children and served survivors. Through advocacy and education, she is influencing lawmakers and arming children and their parents with the information necessary to keep abuse out of their homes.

"I am humbled and grateful for the overwhelming support from people across the country who voted for Lauren's Kids and all of the organizations represented by this group of incredible women. This honor validates the work I have been doing these past few years and serves as motivation to do even more," said L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth 2013 National Honoree Lauren Book. "Abuse changed me, but it did not break me. I consider myself a thriving survivor and will continue to advocate for sexual abuse victims and work to protect children from experiencing the same horror I did."

2013 WOMEN OF WORTH HONOREES
The 2013 Women of Worth honorees represent a variety of important social issues and charitable causes that touch millions of lives across the nation.  Each has been awarded with $10,000 to support her organization as well as national recognition that helps to further fuel awareness of their important cause.  The 2013 Women of Worth honorees include:  

• Somy Ali – Miami Beach, Fla.; President of No More Tears, a nonprofit organization that works to eradicate violence in all its forms through collaborative projects involving awareness, education, activism and advocacy for victims both domestically and abroad.
• Tricia Baker – Plainsboro, N.J.; Co-Founder and Co-Director of Attitudes in Reverse, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating society about mental health and combating negative perceptions about mental illness by promoting acceptance and fostering awareness about depression and suicide prevention.
• Patty Boles – Vista, Calif.; Executive Director of Straight From The Heart, Inc., a nonprofit resource center that provides critical support, mentoring, must-have items and resources for foster children and their caregivers.
• Lauren Book – Aventura, Fla.; Founder and CEO of Lauren's Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing sexual abuse through public awareness, education and political advocacy, and to helping survivors heal by offering guidance and support.
• Maria D'Angelo – Santa Monica, Calif.; Founder, President and CEO of The Children's Lifesaving Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to serving and transforming the lives of homeless and at-risk children and families in Los Angeles through academic, social and domestic support.
• Kimberly Iverson – Scottsdale, Ariz.; Founder of Bucket List Foundation, a nonprofit which grants end-of-life or "bucket list" wishes to the terminally ill, including swimming with dolphins, riding in helicopters and meeting professional athletes, as well as arranging simple, heartfelt events like anniversary dinners and reunions with family members.
• Lori Lee – Smithfield, N.C.; Founder of Me Fine Foundation, a nonprofit founded in memory of her son Folden Lee, IV, which provides resources and financial assistance to families with children being treated at Duke and UNC Children's Hospitals.
• Estella Pyfrom – West Palm Beach, Fla.; CEO of Estella's Brilliant Bus, a state-of-the-art mobile learning center and network of opportunities, where children and families without home access to technology or internet can learn vital computer skills at no cost.
• Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis – Greenwich, Conn.; Teacher and Founder of Classes 4 Classes, Inc., a nonprofit organization developed in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy with the mission that every student in the U.S. learns compassion, caring, kindness, empathy and consideration.
• Susan Garcia Trieschmann – Evanston, Ill.; Executive Director of Curt's Cafe, a nonprofit restaurant that provides training and support for at-risk youth, while offering the community a place to "dine with a purpose," enjoying great food and giving back at the same time.

WOMEN OF WORTH NOMINATIONS
With thousands of nominees over nearly a decade, the Women of Worth program offers a fascinating vantage point on volunteering and the important issues women face today.  Nominations over the past five years show that top priorities for women donating their time and energy include education, healthcare and helping the underserved. 

WOMEN OF WORTH PROGRAM
Celebrating its eighth year, Women of Worth is inspired by L'Oreal Paris' iconic brand philosophy, "Because You're Worth It." Since its inception, the program has recognized 80 women for embodying the spirit of the L'Oreal Paris brand, through commitment to their communities, selflessness and drive to make a difference in the world. For more information about Women of Worth and the 2013 honorees, visit WomenofWorth.com and L'Oreal Paris' Facebook and Twitter pages.

Points of Light, the world's largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, has been a part of the Women of Worth program since its inception. Throughout the year, Points of Light honors and supports women who leverage their time and skills to inspire thousands to volunteer and make a difference in their communities. For more, visit PointsofLight.org and Points of Light's Facebook and Twitter pages.

ABOUT L'OREAL PARIS
The L'Oreal Paris division of L'Oreal USA, Inc. is a total beauty care company that combines the latest technology with the highest in quality for the ultimate in luxury beauty at mass. The L'Oreal Paris brand encompasses the four major beauty categories – hair color, hair care, skincare and cosmetics – and includes such well-known brands as Preference, Excellence, Feria and Healthy Look hair color; Elnett Satin Hairspray, EverPure, EverStrong, EverSleek, EverCreme, EverStyle, VIVE Pro, Studio Line and L'Oreal Kids hair care; Youth Code, Revitalift, Age Perfect, Go 360 Clean, Sublime Bronze, Sublime Sun and Men's Expert skincare; and the Colour Riche, True Match, Infallible, and Studio Secrets Professional cosmetics collections, along with a portfolio of mascara including Voluminous, Double Extend and Telescopic among many others. For more information on L'Oreal Paris and its brands, and to get comprehensive, personalized beauty information from the experts, visit www.lorealparis.com for access to unique content and dynamic interactive features, including the exclusive "Can I Help You" diagnostic tool.

ABOUT POINTS OF LIGHT
Points of Light – the world's largest organization dedicated to volunteer service – mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in 250 cities and partnerships with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 4 million volunteers in 30 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it's needed most. For more information, go to www.pointsoflight.org.

SOURCE L'Oreal Paris