NOTE: Teens from five high schools in Collier County plus students from two colleges have participated in this event, drawing in more than sixty youth volunteers. Doris Sacacian, a student from Gulf Coast High School is journaling their progress at http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011/nov/29/teen-head-to-toe-fashion-show-second-rehearsal-615/. Doris plans to major in journalism next year when she enters college.
 | |
Artwork by Nina Cecere,
Barron Collier High
|
(Editor's note- This news release was written by Carla Badame, a senior at Barron Collier High School who plans to pursue a career in marketing.)
(Naples, FL) Collier County teens will host a "Head to Toe" Fashion Show to help benefit K is for Kids Foundation's "Rising Readers" program and Barron Collier High School's "Helping Hands for Prom" program. A partnership with Collier County Public Schools, the fashion show will be held on Saturday, December 10th at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium of Barron Collier High School at 5600 Cougar Drive. This event is a Bring a Book, Bring a Friend Fun'raiser. All who bring a book will receive a free raffle ticket for each children's book they donate. New hard covers are appreciated, but gently used are also accepted. Allison Guimard, of Allison Guimard designs will be the keynote speaker.
The fashion show is a result of the hard work of Collier County
high school students and generous donations of time and
 | |
Photo by Olivia McNally,
Gulf Coast High School
Chen waves to the audience during rehearsals at Barron Collier High School
|
local teen talent acts. All talent from local businesses and models are local teens from a variety of high schools around Collier County. Models will be outfitted in the latest fashions from stores such as Brooks Brothers, Cache', Francesca's Collections, Men's Warehouse, Simply Natural, and NGX Jewelers. Local teen fashion designer Vivian Garza from Golden Gate High School will debut her fashions with dresses modeled by actresses from that school. Local teens will also showcase their talents during the entertainment portion of the show. A variety of prizes donated from local vendors will be raffled off at the event. In addition there will be a silent auction of donated items.
 | |
Photo by Olivia McNally, GCHS
Venessa practices her walk at the second rehearsal for models at Etudes Too dance studio.
|
A host of local retailers have donated baskets and gifts to be offered as part of the raffle and auction include:
* An iPad2 from Best Buy in Naples;
* Extreme Makeover by Buckle in Naples with private personal shopping for five V.I.P guests;
* Cosmetics from Saks of Fifth Avenue;
* Three months gym membership plus three personal training sessions
at Lifestyle Family Fitness;
* Private Gordon River boating for eight on a 48-ft. Meridian 529 cruiser;
* Two-hour complimentary interior design consultation by Mary Kay Mathes Interior Design;
* Chocolates from Macy's;
* Products from Salon C International;
* Men's products from the Ritz-Carlton
* Free tennis lesson and t-shirt from Tough Tennis Academy;
* Candles from PartyLite;
* Products from D'Amici Salon & Spa;
* $50 gift certificate to Sam Snead's Tavern;
* Complimentary appetizers or desserts at Brio's for four guests;
* Dinner for two at Chili's.
 | |
Rehearsals for models moved to the stage at Barron Collier High School's auditorium the fourth week of practice.
|
Complimentary light refreshments at the event include cookies and brownies by Mikkelsen's Bakery with lemonade and sweet tea donated by Chick-fil-A. Cookies and bottled water wil also be provided by Costco.
Volunteers at the dress rehearsal the night before the fashion show will enjoy pizzas from the California Pizza Kitchens at Waterside Shops in Naples and Coconut Point in Bonita Springs.
Il Primo Pizza will be helping to feed the hard working crew before and after the show.
 | |
Photo by Olivia McNally, GCHS
Arianna rehearses her walk on stage at Barron Collier High.
|
Tickets are $5. Advance ticket holders receive a free V.I.P. booklet, which will also be available at the door booklets for $3.
(To order tickets, please see below.)
All donations and proceeds will go to K is for Kids' "Rising Readers" program and Barron Collier's "Helping Hands for Prom" program. The books will be given to children in need to take home and keep. Not only will this event will be a wonderful experience that will entertain and put audience members in the holiday spirit, it also benefits young people of all ages.
Tickets may be reserved in advance and picked up at the event. For more information please contact K is for Kids founder and executive director Karen Clawson by email at Karen@kisforkids.org or phone 239.596.KIDS (5437).
| 
