April 27, 2006

Stars prepare to shine at the ‘Hooray for Hollywood’
Snow Ball Fashion Show

Almaden Valley Counseling Service fundraiser two-day
event to be held this Friday and Saturday

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

Lights! Camera! Action! Tinsel Town will be transported to San Jose during this year’s “Hooray for Hollywood” Snow Ball Fashion Show. With an eye on style, this two-day charity event, presented by the Almaden Valley Counseling Service Auxiliary, will raise funds for the Almaden Valley Counseling Service in the next couple of days.

Preschool through high school children of auxiliary members will show off their sense of style during the “Hooray for Hollywood” Snow Ball Fashion Show. Photos by Lorraine Gabbert

The Hotel Valencia, on trendy Santana Row, will showcase the festivities, starting with a Luncheon, Fashion Show and Silent Auction at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 28. An Afternoon Tea and Fashion Show will follow at 4 p.m. On Saturday, April 29, at 6 p.m., a Black Tie Dinner Dance, Silent and Live Auction will close the celebration in high style.

This new venue, along with Bloomster’s progressive flower arrangements, will provide a fresh approach to the fashion show. At each event, the flowers will change, with a martini glass centerpiece featured at the Silent Auction. “We thought it would be fun to be a little more edgy,” says event Co-Chair Athena Moreton.

Preschool through high school children of auxiliary members will show off their sense of style as they model clothing from Kohl’s, Pumpkin Patch at Valley Fair, and Santana Row boutiques like Indigo Palms, Nanoo, Olily and Ted Baker.

“It’s great for their self-esteem,” says Auxiliary member Erin Blodgett, “a lot of the kids will do it year after year. It’s something they really look forward to.” About 45 children participate in the show, ranging in age from 2 to 18. They have been practicing their scenes for weeks, which feature a range of movies, music and fashion, from “Wild, Wild West” to “Pretty Woman.”

Bubbling with excitement, they practiced their poses during their final rehearsal (before their dress rehearsal at Hotel Valencia) Tuesday night, under a disco ball in Bret Harte Middle School’s cafeteria.

Model Alexx Bishop enjoys fashion and has always liked the idea of modeling. Her sister, Bailey, who is also in the show, appreciates being exposed to new styles of clothing. “It’s been hard because we have to do our homework late,” says Alexx, “but it’s worth it.”

Former AVCS Executive Director Rocki Kramer enjoys watching the children rehearse. “Over the years, it’s been fun to see them blossom from this experience,” she says, “Especially as AVCS focuses on helping kids. It’s a great experience for them.”

Local models take a break from practicing their poses during their fashion show rehearsal.

Fashion Show Director Annette Reavis makes it all come together, choosing the clothing, and music and coordinating the models. “We raise money for counseling which really matters to the Almaden community,” says Reavis. “This year we’re taking it to the next level and hoping to raise even more money.”

Major Sponsors for the event include: “Almaden Times Weekly”, Avnet, Bloomster’s, “Gentry Magazine”, “San Jose Magazine”, Elegant Lace, Indigo Palms, Nanoo, Olily and Tommy Bahama, and Hair’s Inn.

Although it takes place in the spring, the AVCS fashion show, which started in 1984 with a ski theme, is still known as the “Snow Ball” in honor of its roots. Each time, a new theme is created for this bi-annual event, which usually raises between $30,000 to $35,000 for the organization.

Almaden Valley Counseling Service
Almaden Valley Counseling Service (AVCS) is a community-based nonprofit counseling agency which works to promote the mental health and emotional well being of children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. With a focus on youth, they also provide on-site professional counseling to students on school campuses in the San Jose Unified and Union School Districts.

Blodgett describes AVCS as a “grass roots organization that’s here to provide mental health support to the greater community.” This organization, which had a modest start 26 years ago with an annual budget of $6,689, served approximately 800 clients in 2005, with an annual budget of $320,965.

“We appreciate the fact that we’ve grown so much,” says Auxiliary President Tish Allen. “With clients and schools in 55 zip codes, we reach out to the entire valley.”

Across town this weekend, another AVCS fundraiser will be taking place as the organization teams up with ASL Company to recycle electronics. ASL, a state-funded recycling operation will be hosting a “Drive In and Drop Off” service from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 28 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 29 at the Office Max/Rite Aid Parking Lot, located on the corner of Almaden Expressway and Blossom Hill Road. Electronic products such as televisions, computers, printers, fax machines, VCRs, telephones, DVDs, stereos, radios, and microwave ovens will be accepted, with the proceeds going to aid Almaden Valley Counseling Services’ school programs.

“Rather than getting rid of these items, you’re recycling, and supporting charities,” says ASL Marketing Director Heather Thordarson, “and in this case, aiding Almaden Valley Counseling Services.”

On with the Show
“We support the Auxiliary and the reason it’s here,” says Jill Perretta. “For my kids to be a part of it, and raise funds for such a great cause, is important. They’re giving back to their community while having fun.”

With all of the preparation that’s gone into the Snow Ball Fashion Show, Co-Chair Rita Hayes is hoping for a huge, successful event. “It’s spectacular,” says Moreton. “We have 50 hard-working Auxiliary women who have dedicated a lot of time and effort to this fundraiser. We want to raise as much money for the counseling services as we can. It’s challenging and rewarding, and we just can’t wait for the show.”

To contact the AVCS call (408) 997-0200, or visit their Web site at www.avcounseling.org. To contact ASL, phone (877) 279-0230.