More than 40 girls from local high schools and middle schools turned their backs on their makeup bags Monday morning to challenge current conceptions of female beauty and raise funds for girls' self-esteem programs.

Organized by G.W.Graham Grade 12 student Brittany Clough, the weeklong no-makeup challenge has drawn participants from Graham, Sardis secondary, Mt. Slesse middle, Vedder middle and even Abbotsford.

But even girls who aren't quite ready to face their peers without makeup and hair products are invited to a wrap-up sleepover and seminar (Beautiful, You) Friday at G.W. Graham featuring food, fun and inspirational talks from female mentors.

Reigning Miss World Canada Tara Teng will be on hand to talk about how helping others makes a difference in our own lives.

Mayor Sharon Gaetz will discuss different inspirational women and how they persevered while School District No. 33 distance education teacher Michelle Savich will speak on resilience.

Participants will also hear from professional self-esteem and relationship coach Behnaz (Nazee) Mirshami, yoga instructor Christie Weightman, professional recording artist Marika Siewert and recent musical Graham grads Anna Cana-day and Caroline Davies.

Cost for the seminar, which will include pizza, sundae making and a pancake breakfast, is either a $25 pledge form or a $25 registration fee, with all proceeds going to the Dove Self-Esteem Fund. Deadline for registration is Feb. 20.

For more info, call 604-799-0258.

cnaylor@chilliwacktimes.com