Merz Aesthetics and Inspirational Women Join Forces to Recognize Women Who STAND AND DELIVER

SAN MATEO, Calif., Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Merz Aesthetics, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Asclera® (polidocanol) Injection in the U.S., today announced the launch of the "STAND AND DELIVER" program.  In partnership with an advisory panel of three women who were selected for their significant abilities to STAND AND DELIVER, this initiative was created to honor women who take a stand by making a difference in their communities. Finalists and their affiliated 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations will be featured in a national campaign, and the grand prize winner will receive her choice of beauty treatments by a top dermatologist, and a $10,000 donation to the organization for which she stands.

"There are so many inspirational women across the U.S. who stand up for important issues in their communities every day. From the mom who offers tutoring after school, to the woman who is fighting for better nutrition in public schools – and too often, these women go unnoticed or unacknowledged," said Dennis Condon, President and Chief Executive Officer of Merz Aesthetics.  "This program is our way of celebrating these women -- helping them to look good and feel good, while they are doing good. Merz Aesthetics is pleased to be able to not only make a charitable donation, but give the gift of beauty to women who give back so much."

Beginning today, log onto www.Asclera.com/standanddeliver and tell us why your mother, sister, neighbor, wife, daughter or friend deserves to be recognized as part of the STAND AND DELIVER program.  Nominees should be committed to their communities, and work hard to make a difference.  After the January 15, 2012, submission deadline, the STAND AND DELIVER advisory panel will select three finalists whose stories will be featured on the contest website. The Grand Prize Winner will be chosen by the public following an online voting period (February 20 through April 15, 2012), and entrants can easily share their submission with friends and family through the web and social media channels like Facebook and Twitter to encourage them to vote.  Those who nominate and vote for the woman they feel best exemplifies the STAND AND DELIVER ideals will also be entered into a weekly prize sweepstakes.

"We are so excited to partner with Merz Aesthetics on this program," said Rhonda M. Smith, a breast cancer survivor and advocate, and a member of the STAND AND DELIVER advisory panel.  "As a cancer survivor I learned firsthand that there was a huge void in the disease management matrix in terms of programs and services once treatment ends.  That's why I created Breast Cancer Partner. We're all about breast cancer recovery through health and wellness, and taking a more holistic, integrative approach to living life after treatment. My cancer diagnosis was a huge wake-up call and I have found my passion and purpose in life as a result – to educate, enlighten and empower survivors to become their own health and wellness advocate. The support and recognition from organizations like More magazine has made it possible to make my vision a reality. The 'STAND AND DELIVER' program is a perfect opportunity to salute other women who are making a difference and help put a spotlight on their impact."

This program will also be promoted through O magazine, Omagonline.com, More magazine and in select physician offices nationwide.

STAND AND DELIVER Contest Rules

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Submit your nominations between 10/28/11 at 12:00:00 AM CT and 1/15/12 at 11:59:59 PM CT.  Nominate a person committed to family and community who takes a stand by working hard to make a difference. Nomination requires submission of a short mandatory paragraph (up to 200 words). Judging Criteria: degree of difference made by the Nominee in his/her community (25%); degree of commitment of Nominee to family and community (25%), ability of Nominee to inspire others (25 %), passion/enthusiasm of Nominee (25 %). Limit of one Nomination per person/per email address. Eligibility: legal residents of the 50 US & DC, 18 or older. Vote for your favorite Nominee for the chance to win 1 of 8 Annual subscriptions to O magazine (ARV: $50.00). The odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received corresponding to the applicable Weekly Sweepstakes Period. Contest Grand Prize (1): Nominee will receive one (1) professional beauty makeover (ARV: $1,500.00).  Donation: a $10,000.00 donation will be made in the name of the Grand Prize Winner to a charity selected by the Grand Prize Winner. For full Contest details and prize details see Official Rules at www.Asclera.com/standanddeliver. Sponsor: Merz Aesthetics, Inc., 1875 South Grant St, Suite 200, San Mateo, California, 94402. Void where prohibited.

About Merz Aesthetics

Merz Aesthetics, Inc. is part of the Merz Pharma Group. Merz Aesthetics, with headquarters in San Mateo, California, partners with Merz Aesthetics business units in 16 countries and cooperates with more than 30 distributors worldwide.

Founded in 1908 by Friedrich Merz, Merz introduced the world's first anti-wrinkle treatment in 1953 after conducting extensive research on the effects of revitalizing skin care essences. As part of the Merz Pharma Group of companies, Merz Aesthetics leverages more than a century of Merz's healthcare expertise with its products and unparalleled service to the field of aesthetic dermatology. The Merz legacy continues today with Merz Aesthetics' innovative portfolio of products.

SOURCE Merz Aesthetics