Friday, Feb. 26, 2010

Students' fashion show raises $4K for hospital

Donation made in memory of late Lia Brady

The Los Baños High School Interact Club held an event, the first of its kind for the club, on campus over the weekend. "A Night in Paris" was a fashion show, hosted by the Interact Club members, and supported Children's Hospital Central California in Madera.

There were two events held, Friday and Saturday nights, that community could attend to view fashions from local businesses worn by Interact Club students, while profitting the hospital.

Alysha Izoco, one of the coordinators, said she was happy with the weekend's events. For a first-time event, she said everything turned out well.

"We had a really good turn out both nights," Izoco said. "We got a good response and everyone was really supportive."

Jane DeMoss, also a coordinator, said the club was able to raise close to $4,000 to donate to the hospital.

Izoco said club members are hoping to bring the check to the hospital as soon as possible. She said donating in honor of Dos Palos' late Lia Brady, who passed away in December at 6-years-old after a two and a half year battle with cancer, has been such a fulfilling part of planning.

"I think her family was really grateful to us for honoring her this way," Izoco said.

Jeannie Knapp, assistant principal at the high school and one of the advisers for the Interact Club, said she was impressed with both the turnout and success of the events.

"Both evenings had its own atmosphere, but both were very successful," Knapp said. "The students should definitely be credited for having the vision and making it successful."

Knapp said club members brought the idea to her and other advisors.

Coordinators Izoco and DeMoss, seniors at the high school, spearheaded the event but were backed by the whole team of club members, Knapp said.

"I know it's the goal of the students that put it on this year for it to continue next year," Knapp said. "It's certainly something the Interact students should persue if they can."

Izoco said her and DeMoss put together a binder of things future club members should and shouldn't do, what they wish they did and how to make the event better in the coming years.

"It'll definitely expand and hopefully become bigger," Izoco said.

Interact Club is the high school version of Los Baños' Rotary Club, Knapp said, and is a service based organization with community service dealt locally and globally. It's based on community involvement, she said.

Enterprise reporter Samantha Salas can be reached by phone at (209)388-6562 or by e-mail at ssalas@losbanosenterprise.com