Students strutted down the runway in the Large Gym on May 14 for their sixth annual Benefit Fashion Show. High-fives, handshakes, and even a couple of kisses on the cheek were exchanged between the models.

Not only did these volunteer student models enjoy themselves, but they also helped a good cause.
In total, Benefit made $11,000 from admissions and the silent auction that was held before the show. After expenses of $3,000 for the sound system and clothing, the commission will donate $8,000 to the Special Olympics Foundation.

Special Olympics is a foundation founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver that allows mentally and physically handicapped athletes to compete, boosting self-esteem, team bonding, pride and equality.

“I thought our decision to donate to the Special Olympics was great,” commission head Erin Wong said. “I’ve worked with the people in Special Olympics before for NCL [National Charity League] and [the Special Olympics foundation] deserves this.”

To start off the show, a silent auction was held selling certificates for various restaurants and stores, themed baskets, Apple products, and artwork. After bids were placed, two current athletes of the Special Olympics spoke to thank the Benefit Fashion Show commission and attendees for donating to their foundation and said why they liked being in Special Olympics. Four honorary participants from Special Olympics also walked down the runway.

Attire was provided by Pac Sun, Hot Topic, Kitsch Couture, REI, Urban Outfitters, Blues Jean Bar, Old Navy, The Pumpkin Patch, and In the Olde Manner. The girls got their hair done from Michael Anthony Salon in downtown Saratoga and their makeup done from Pello Salon in Los Gatos. Clothing themes included “college wear,” “first date,” “sleepwear,” “rock and roll,” “children’s wear,” “bromance,” “bohemian,” “outdoors wear,” “girls’ night out,” and “prom.”

“The show was extremely successful,” Padash said. “Friday and Saturday were really stressful since the three of us had to go to each individual store to pick the clothes up and we weren’t sure if everyone was getting their makeup and hair done, but everything seemed to work out perfectly.”

Because the show sold out so quickly, chairs were added so more people could buy tickets to support the cause. Three-hundred tickets were sold at the price of $10 for students, $15 for general admission, and $25 for VIP.

“I thought the show went great, especially because we’re all friends,” Balma said. “There weren’t any problems and the show went smoothly.”