Click to read the full story at naplesnews.com

When Ali Martin and Erin Clawson, both seniors at Gulf Coast High School, first talked about organizing a teen fashion show benefiting K is for Kids, they were confident it would be a great way to get other students involved with the Foundation's cause.  Both girls had served as spokespersons and advisory council members for K is for Kids' Teen Advisory Team during their four years of high school, and together they had recorded over 500 community service hours.

What Ali and Erin couldn't predict during their first planning sessions was that the inaugural community project would ultimately bring together 106 student volunteers from all around the county, representing six high schools, one middle school, and both Florida Gulf Coast University and Edison State College; that the teens would collect over 520 books for children in need; and that dozens of businesses would so generously support the teens' efforts, helping the fashion show (also a Bring a Book, Bring a Friend Fun'raiser) reach close to $5,000 in books and proceeds.

It was when the two girls met with Janelle Sventek for the first model audition that the idea was proposed for the show to be hosted at Barron Collier High School; students had talked about organizing a fashion show, but the idea had stalled.  Introductions followed between K is for Kids' founder and executive director Karen Clawson, Barron Collier High School principal Tim Kutz, and marketing/accounting teacher Kelly Wilson.  Drawn to the educational merits of the project -- students would be utilizing skills and principles learned in the classroom to a "real world" business application while promoting children's literacy and leadership (the Foundation's twin goals) -- the teens' project was given the go-ahead.

Now with the venue decided, rehearsals were free to begin.  With the practice space provided  byEtudes Too dance studio, more than two dozen models began giving up their Sunday afternoons to practice their walk.  Read Doris Sacacian's journal about the teens' progress at naplesnews.com.

Local clothing merchants were the next to sign up for the show and by early December, the now 31 models, plus the two hosts, were getting fitted for fashions by Brooks Brothers at Waterside Shops, Cache' at Waterside Shops, Cache' on Fifth Avenue, Francesca's Collections at Coastland Center mall, Men's Warehouse of Naples, Simply Natural at Mercato, and NGX Jewelers of Bonita Springs.   The event would also mark the debut of local teen fashion designer Vivian Garza, a senior at Golden Gate High School who presented a line of dresses modeled by students from that school.  Entertainment was also a big part of the show, with local teens showcasing their talents for the audience. 

Cover girl, Elena McNally, models fashions by Francesca's Collection, Coastland Center Mall.  Photo by John Esquivel Click to read at naplesnews.com

Local retailers donated baskets and other gifts as part of the raffle and silent auction prizes, including:

* An iPad2 from Best Buy in Naples valued;

* Extreme Makeover by Buckle in Naples with hairstyling, professional make-up and private personal shopping for five V.I.P guests;

 * Cosmetics gift basket from Saks of Fifth Avenue;

 * Three months gym membership plus three personal training sessions

 at Lifestyle Family Fitness; 

 * Gordon River cruise for eight on a private Meridian 529 yacht;

* Gift certificate for D'Amici Salon & Spa;

 * Two-hour complimentary interior design consultation by Mary Kay  Mathes Interior Design; 

* A platter of gourmet chocolates from Macy's;

* Hair products from Salon C International;

* A mens gift basket from the Ritz-Carlton;

* Free tennis lesson and t-shirt from Tough Tennis Academy;

* A gift basket and candles from PartyLite by Tiffany Weeks;

* $50 for complimentary dining at Sam Snead's Tavern;

* Free appetizers or desserts at Brio's for four guests; and

* Dinner for two at Chili's.

Thanks to Party Hardy, the stage was graced with arcs of pink, purple and silver balloons.  Ray's Lawn & Garden Nursery provided poinsettias for the flanking steps, a good reminder that the holidays were about to begin.  Pink and purple lighting designed by Barron Collier students created a vibrant backdrop for the models.

California Pizza Kitchens at Waterside Shops in Naples as well as CPK at Coconut Point in Bonita Springs gave volunteers pizzas to enjoy during the dress rehearsal.  At showtime, complimentary light refreshments during the reception included cookies and brownies by Mikkelsen's Bakery, lemonade and sweet tea by Chick-fil-A, and cookies with bottled water by Costco.   Following the show, Il Primo Pizza provided pizzas for the models and hungry crew.

All in all, the Teen "Head to Toe" Fashion Show was a spectacular success!

Erin Clawson and Ali Martin, Co-Chairs, Teen "Head to Toe" Fashion Show Photo by John Esquivel

WHAT'S COMING NEXT:

Bring a Book, Bring a Friend for 

Children's Literacy Month!

Following the success of their recent fundraiser, Erin and Ali are now rallying teens to help launch

February's Bring a Book, Bring a Friend

for Children's Literacy Month,

celebrating two of life's greatest treasures -- friends and books -- while giving children in need more books to read.

Visit our website at  www.KisforKids.org to learn more.

HOW YOU CAN JOIN OUR CAUSE

* Volunteer * Attend our events *Donate books

* Tell your friends * Make a tax-deductible donation

* Become a sponsor * Start a fun'raiser!