Fashion follies at LBHS

Approximately 300 people attended the eighth annual Fashion Show fund-raiser on March 15 at the Long Beach High School. A good number of those present were students anxious to catch a glimpse of their friends as they sashayed down the runways enjoying the thrill of being a fashion model for the night.
      The theme of the evening was prom attire both for women and men. Fifty girls and 20 boys from the senior class modeled striking formal wear provided by Estelle's Dressy Dresses, David's Bridal, Bridal Center, Advance Formal Wear for Men, Feldman's Formal Wear and Oceanside Tuxedos.
      Coordinators Joy Caine and Gina Guma ensured that for a mere $20 adult ticket, or $8 student ticket, the attendees would enjoy a scrumptious turkey buffet dinner (provided by Norma Console, the director of food services for the school district), entertainment by Bruce Kaplan on the piano and the chance to win exciting raffle prizes.
      A committee of PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) mothers led by committee chairwomen Judy Unger and Diane Alpren spent long hours soliciting donations from local businesses. When asked about the involvement of the students, themselves, Unger was quick to say their efforts were not at all expected. "We really do this event for the kids."
      The Long Beach business community donated many prom related prizes, which Unger said helped make this year's fashion show the best yet.
      One of the high points of the evening was provided by Billy Crystal, Long Beach High School alumnus and honorary chairperson of the event since its inception. Each year Crystal sends a personal item to be used as a raffle prize. This year, he donated an autographed baseball hat from his upcoming movie, "61." His brother Joel, LBHS teacher and City Council president, picked the winning ticket.
      Local florists Laskas Flowers and Long Beach Florist Inc. donated lovely centerpieces for the tables. In addition, the models themselves were well coifed by several beauty parlors, including Guy & Co. and Williams of Park Avenue Coiffures. The Lido Kosher Deli, Zamboni's Deli and Catering and Lindell Grocery ensuring that they would have the energy to strut down that catwalk donated a cornucopia of food. Ed Kennedy, Chairman of the LBHS Music Department coordinated and choreographed the fashion show.
      All proceeds from the Fashion Show will benefit "Morning Madness," an event sponsored by the PTSA which occurs immediately after the Senior Prom. Between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m., this year's event will take place at Club Blue in the Garden City Hotel. This fun filled event is free of charge allowing any graduating senior to attend (regardless of Prom attendance), providing dancing, food, games, entertainment and some exciting chances to win big ticket raffles including a car.
      "We're trying to keep the kids safe that night," said Unger. "The Fashion Show is our first fund-raiser of the year to make 'Morning Madness' happen. We will be having a plant sale in May, as well as a Swing show in the spring and Fun Night in June."