Benefit fashion show prepares for upcoming event

As in previous years, this year’s annual Benefit Fashion Show on Feb. 27 will be held in the Large Gym and will boast several different themes, a silent auction and a grand finale. The event will raise money  for the Silicon Valley Children’s Fund, which helps foster youth become self-sustaining adults.

The show’s all-senior commission, composed of Nina Harris, Nellie Jalalian, Nicole Prowse, Jace Welton and Darby Williams and headed by Sabrina Clark, has been planning the show since the first week of school.

There are a total of 10 themes in the show: Prom, First Date, Winter Wonderland, Wild West, Country Club, Girls’ Night Out, Athletic Wear, Toga Wear, Cultural and Boho. With the  exception of the Prom category, which is the most popular theme and given only to 22 senior girls and guys who have participated in the show for three or four years, each category has a maximum of 20 models walking.

All 200 models are under the coordination of 19 theme heads, the majority of whom are upperclassmen. The theme heads choose the runway music to ensure that the show will run smoothly.

“I think the hardest part about being a theme head is getting ahold of everyone,” Girls’ Night Out theme head senior Anne Rollinson said. “People at Saratoga are really busy, so trying to organize them and figure out times for fitting can be really difficult.”

One of the more complicated parts of preparation that the commission has faced is coaxing stores to lend clothes to the participating models. Because the show is non-profit, some stores are reluctant to help.

“It takes a while to get [the show] organized and find enough people willing to participate,” Harris said. “But usually once [the stores] realize how important the cause is, people are ready and willing to support us.”

For Clark, the Benefit Fashion show is both a source of entertainment and a fun way to volunteer and give back.

“I really like how the community is brought together, and [how the show] is  collaborative. We had over 230 students sign up this year, and it’s really fun to put on a production while helping the community,” Clark said.