Meet Vanessa Williams June 30 in NYC

A few years back, I had the opportunity to sit down with actress Virginia Madsen for an interview both about her life and career, and about her use and advocacy of the cosmetic products BOTOX and JUVEDERM. (The article appeared in the now-defunct Quick & Simple; click here to read.)

I've never been too big a fan of any cosmetic "procedure," because I feel the results often look unnatural and downright scary. But I have to say, in personal, the then 46-year-old Madsen was luminous -- and very natural. She still had some natural lines in her face, and so any improvements she had made to her appearance were subtle, leaving her looking younger than her true age, but yet believably so. As she explained how the products can be responsibly and carefully used, solely under a doctor's care and not in any kind of shady "spa" setting, I was convinced.

Now, the company behind the products, Allergan, has announced a new promotional effort with its newest spokeswoman, Ugly Betty's almost supernaturally beautiful Vanessa Williams. And what's great about this one -- and why I'm sharing it here -- is that this campaign has a charitable component. Check out the events below, and how you can support a great charity, Dress For Success, which helps disadvantage women dress to improve their careers.

• New York: On June 30^th in Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall (entrance at 42^nd and Park Avenue) 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Vanessa Williams is hosting a celebrity “Rack Relay Race” and clothing drive. Join Vanessa in the race by registering to race on www.ExpressSuccessCampaign.com or by dropping off nearly new professional clothing donations (click “Get Involved”). For the Express Success Rack Relay Race, teams of four will “dress” mannequins for success and race to the finish line. The winning team will win lunch with Vanessa Williams in NYC and a $100 gift certificate from DSW. Also, the first 100 people to pre-register online and participate int he "Rack Relay Race” will receive a certificate for a physician consultation and, if appropriate, a complimentary BOTOX^® Cosmetic treatment from a licensed and trained aesthetic-specialty physician.

• San Francisco, Dallas and Miami: Local educational events are planned featuring Vanessa Williams, Dress for Success CEO Joi Gordon and an aesthetic-specialty physician. At the events consumers will be able to support Dress for Success by donating nearly new professional attire as a cost of entry, while learning about fast and simple tips for working women, including treatment with BOTOX^® Cosmetic. Register on www.ExpressSuccessCampaign.com to receive an invitation to the local event.

• On a national level: Allergan is donating $2 to Dress for Success on behalf of each of the first 25,000 people who visit and register on www.ExpressSuccessCampaign.com (click “Get Involved”). Everyone who pledges support on the Web site will be entered to win a trip for two to NYC to have lunch with Vanessa Williams.