Depicted are three of the founders of Beauty for the Brave: Mary Bishop (Evanston), Emily Chardell (Deerfield), and Brian Williams (Winnetka).

Beauty for the Brave is a charitable effort to raise money to aid wounded troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. Our idea is wonderfully simple. What if every American woman donated the cost of her favorite beauty treat to benefit wounded troops? Think of your favorite - whether a manicure, a facial, a massage, or a new lipstick - and consider donating its cost to benefit our wounded.

It's not how much each woman gives, but the fact that we are all contributing. And the symbolism of sacrificing something related to our own beauty is beautiful in itself. It hearkens back to the unique sacrifices our mothers and grandmothers on the home front made during past wars in our country's history.

The donations go to a wonderful organization called Fisher House that has been in existence for 17 years. They build houses right near military hospitals all across the country. It's a "home away from home" where the family of wounded service men and women can stay for free until their loved one is treated and released. 100% of dollars we collect go directly to Fisher House. This is a beautiful way to show your support.

Please see our website: www.beautyforthebrave.org