Benefit Fashion Show supports Silicon Valley Childrens’ Fund

Over 200 students, ranging from freshmen to seniors,  woke up excited on the morning of Feb. 27. During the day, they prepped and pampered themselves in anticipation of the grand night ahead: the annual Benefit Fashion Show.

The clothing, mostly provided by local boutiques and retailers, was transported on racks to the Small Gym by activities director Rebeca Marshburn.

Meanwhile, upperclassmen girls were arriving at Michael Anthony’s Salon in downtown Saratoga for their complimentary hair appointments. At the school, the six Benefit commissioners and various theme heads were setting up the stage and silent auction.

All proceeds raised from ticket sales, private donations and the silent auction were donated to the Silicon Valley Children’s Fund, a nonprofit organization that invests in programs to better the lives of foster youth in Santa Clara County.

This year, the commissioners were seniors Nicole Prowse, Nellie Jalalian, Nina Harris, Darby Williams, Jace Welton and head commissioner Sabrina Clark. The six girls divided the large task at hand by using each other's’ strengths to their advantage. Jalalian was in charge of the audio and tech team, Harris oversaw the creation of the paper program and T-shirt and Clark organized the silent auction and fittings. The commissioners began planning for the show last August.

Jalalian said she especially enjoyed devoting many hours and tutorials to planning the show with her fellow commissioners.

“The experience was rewarding because I had the chance to mix my love of fashion with a leadership role and ultimately create an amazing show,” Jalalian said.

The themes in the show this year included Toga Wear (Dianne Stokes), Athletic Wear (Road Runner), Cultural (Saratoga families), Country Club (Gap), Wild West (Winchester Western Wear), Boho (Francesca’s/Prim Boutique), Winter Wonderland (REI), Girls’ Night Out (Kitsch Couture), First Date (Lotus Los Gatos/Banana Republic) and Prom (Group USA/Tuxedo Warehouse).

Besides issues with the stage lighting, the event ran smoothly. The silent auction raised slightly over $3,000.

“I really enjoyed seeing the difference clothing categories and hearing the music chosen by the theme heads,” senior Cayla Zelanis. “I hope this stays a tradition at the school.”