Dr. Cheryl Saban Forms Women's Self Worth Foundation, Pledges $10 Million to Aid Women's Causes and Organizations

LOS ANGELES, April 30, 2009 — Author, psychologist, philanthropist and family advocate Cheryl Saban, Ph.D. is pleased to announce that her newly formed Women's Self Worth Foundation will grant ten million dollars to charitable organizations for the aiding, advancement and empowerment of girls and women. The Foundation's first one million dollar grant has been committed to The Women's Funding Network to benefit ACCION's U.S. micro-lending programs.

The first million dollar grant, a four-year commitment, coincides with the May 1 release of Dr. Saban's new book, WHAT IS YOUR SELF-WORTH? A Woman's Guide to Validation (Hay House), which examines how society perceives women, how women perceive themselves, and how they can validate their contributions to the world. Cheryl Saban has dedicated herself to helping other women realize their own self-worth and find their way. The purchase of every copy of the book supports the cause, because 100% of the author proceeds go to support women's funds and projects.

Dr. Saban spent the first thirty years of her life doubting her own value, due largely to some terrible experiences - rape, two failed marriages, and for a time, she was a single mother who couldn't afford health care. But once she learned how to believe in herself, these obstacles had no power over her, and she was able to make dramatic and positive life changes. She became a published author, earned a PhD, and fell in love with her soul mate, Haim Saban, CEO of Saban Capital, to whom she's been married for more than 20 years. But most importantly, she discovered that true bliss lay within herself. The lessons learned along her personal path to joy are encapsulated in the book.

Cheryl Saban explained, "Women are often the organizers and conductors of everyone else's happiness and contentment. We need to celebrate ourselves. Women have helped change the world with their creative abilities by challenging perceived boundaries. Our goal is not only baking the proverbial pie, but having a piece of it as well. And being mentors for future generations of young women and men."

Like the Women's Self Worth Foundation, the Women's Funding Network and each of its member funds, along with ACCION Chicago and ACCION USA, are charitable organizations that support women's solutions and leadership to effect change.

ACCION USA is a private non-profit organization that offers small business loans of up to $50,000 and financial education to small business owners in the U.S. Since 1991, ACCION USA has provided over $114 million in microloans to small business owners who are not able to obtain traditional loans. Through these small businesses, jobs are created, communities are developed and individual business owners, many of them women, are able to live the American Dream.

The Women's Funding Network is a global network and movement for social justice. Its mission is to accelerate women's leadership and invest in solving critical issues from poverty to global security - by bringing together the financial power, influence and voices of women's funds. The Network represents 135 member funds on six continents. Its member funds, the New York Women's Foundation, the Chicago Foundation for Women, the Atlanta Women's Foundation, and the Women's Fund of Miami-Dade, are all recipients of the Women's Self Worth Foundation gift.

"Through her literary work and charitable contributions, Dr. Saban has reinforced the prominent role that women play in today's world," said Gina Harman, president and CEO of ACCION USA. "On behalf of ACCION USA and the women entrepreneurs who will benefit from her support, I applaud Dr. Saban for her commitment to empowering women and girls."

Chris Grumm, the President and CEO of the Women's Funding Network, commented, "By acting as such a dedicated champion for women's empowerment, Dr. Saban is leading the way for a growing community of smart and thoughtful donors. We celebrate the commitment that she has shown to the personal and economic empowerment of women, which is essential for rebuilding local and national economies during this current time of crisis."

Suggested retail price for the book is $24.95 for the hardcover (available in English only) and $14.95 for the paperback (available in Spanish only). A WHAT IS YOUR SELF-WORTH? personal journal ($9.95 retail value) that encapsulates and personalizes the tasks and quizzes in the book is available for free download in both languages (with book purchase) at http://whatisyourselfworth.com/.

SOURCE Women's Self Worth Foundation