Scene and Be Seen
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Mix. Mingle. Mentor. Raise a glass for charity: the New-Year’s-Eve-style countdown to officially welcome the start of Step Up Women’s Network’s year-long, 15th anniversary celebration has begun. Connecting professional women who give back with underserved teen girls is Step Up’s recipe for success; this annual membership event brings the entire network together – totaling 15,000 people from coast to coast. In fact, Step Up CEO Jenni Luke stated recently, ”Our national network looks forward to Stepping Up in the City each November, but this year is especially significant, as the evening will mark the start of a noteworthy milestone for the organization. Stepping Up in the City gives us the opportunity to celebrate and thank our members and hopefully, inspire others to join our network.”
By all means, you could feel the inspiring energy generating from club Enclave on Nov 14 for the kick-off event; that is to say, Step Up ladies know how to network in style and spoil their guests with back massages, Smooth drinks courtesy of Ultimat Vodka, a fun photo booth, and tasty treats from Zed451 (a selection of charcuterie, artisan cheeses and sushi galore). Certainly, my palate was not prepared for the dream-like housemade marshmallow s’more on a stick. At the same time, charitable wine partner Clos Du Bois teamed up with Pixi Beauty to create a wine-inspired makeup set that every new member received in their goodie bag. Matching makeup to your merlot – necessity for every Cheeky girl!
Special guests included Chicago’s very own LeeAnn Trotter, entertainment reporter at NBC5, who was the
vibrant emcee throughout the evening. Special guest DJ Megan Taylor is one of Chicago’s hottest Cheeky chicks known for her eclectic, rare cuts electrifying the city with her talent and personality. As a matter of fact, you can catch her weekly at Vertigo Sky Lounge and Le Bar at the Sofitel. Chicago Fire’s Monica Raymund, the event’s main honoree, was a last-minute no show.
In the same fashion, another Cheeky chick responsible for the evening’s success is Cassandra Gaddo, Managing Director of the Chicago Step Up office, who expressed how, “Stepping Up in the City was an amazing chance to see our members and teens come together to celebrate 15 years of inspiring women and girls! You could see the spirit of Step Up in action: our members speed-mentoring our teens, women introducing each other to create meaningful connections, and guests ‘stepping up’ to help support our programs for teen girls.”“
Step Up is a nonprofit membership organization of 50,000+ savvy supporters nationwide with offices in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. Step Up Women’s Network is dedicated to connecting and advancing women and girls through networking, financial support and mentorship, helping underserved girls reach a bright future. What I love most about this organization is that Step Up shows young women and girls that they are the authors of their life and provide a roadmap for them to reach their potential.
Upcoming Events in Chicago:
- December 6, 2012: Step Up Salon: An evening at The Container Store from 6-8pm (includes complimentary Champagne and dessert).
- December 13, 2012: Power breakfast with United’s Donna Towle from 8-10am.
(Photo Credits: DrizzDesign by Adrian Orozco.)
