Benefit Fashion Show to honor former activities director; money to go to Cancer Society

On March 3 in the Large Gym, audience members will see a myriad of fashionable outfits that range from formal wear to sportswear as more than 200 students walk the runway for the school’s annual Benefit Fashion Show.

This year’s show will be held in honor of former activities director Rebeca Marshburn, who was instrumental in the expansion of Benefit during her time at the school. Marshburn lost her daughter Courtney to cancer at the age of 15 more than a decade ago. Proceeds from the show will go to the American Cancer Society.

“Mrs. Marshburn did a lot for Benefit, and we wanted to show our appreciation for her,” head commissioner Kate Bossi said. “She’s been through a lot, and she deserves this more than anybody.”

Marshburn moved to Texas two years ago. This year’s Benefit commission has raised enough money to fly her out and invite her to the show.

Benefit commissioners will talk about Marshburn’s and her story in their script for the show.

A silent auction will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the show will begin at 7 p.m. Student tickets will cost $15, general admission will cost $25 and VIP tickets will cost $45. VIP tickets include seating closest to the runway and a gift bag.

With the purpose of the show in mind, Benefit commissioners began searching for outfits that were stylish and bold for the over 200 students that have signed up to walk.

This proved to be more of a challenge than the commissioners previously thought.

“It’s really annoying and stressful this year, because no stores are giving us outfits,” said commissioner senior Mervi Tan. “The old stores are not willing to lend us clothes, so we’re going to have to find places to shop.”

The dramatic increase in the number of models this year has also led to more pressure on the commissioners’ part.

According to commissioner senior Angela Lee, the number of models has increased by 50 since last year to 200 models this year.

Luckily, the struggle to put together outfits is beginning to turn around for the commissioners.

Lee said that mostly women’s outfits have begun to come together with help from various shops in downtown Saratoga and Los Gatos that were willing to help, but men’s outfits are still in dire need as corporate stores such as Macy’s are not as disposed to provide clothing.

Still, the girls are optimistic they can pull it together before the show.

“We’re aiming to have all the outfits in soon because the fittings are in mid-February,” Tan said.  “Bring all your friends to Benefit because it’s really fun and you’re doing it for a good cause!”