FASHION SHOW BENEFITS WCEF K-12

“Swinging on a Star” Features School Teacher “Super Models”, Student Musicians & Mrs. Bing Crosby

(Walnut Creek, Calif., October 20, 2008) - - Beauty, brains and talent were showcased for all during Swinging on a Star Fashion Event Sunday afternoon at Bing Crosby’s Restaurant and Piano Lounge on Sunday, October 19, 2008. Guests gathered to celebrate with their favorite teachers, as they modeled their “transformations” during a luncheon to benefit the Walnut Creek Education Foundation K-12 (WCEF).

Selected teachers from the Walnut Creek School District and Las Lomas High School, student musicians, and Mrs. Kathryn Crosby, the wife of the late legendary, Bing Crosby were the stars of the event. Mrs. Crosby and student musicians performed with style and flair, entertaining a crowd of over 150, while attendees savored a delectable three-course luncheon.

Seven teachers were selected as follows: Elementary Schools: Beth Unland, Buena Vista; Joan Fournier, Indian Valley; Krista Smith, Parkmead; Stephanie Cummings, Walnut Heights; Jann Geyer, Walnut Creek Intermediate School and Debbie Zamaria, Las Lomas High School. Nicole Suetos was selected from Murwood Elementary School, but was unable to attend due to illness.

Student violinists, Claire Edelmann and Rachel Scott, members of the Las Lomas Strings Ensemble Club, greeted guests at the door. Student pianists, Kirby Cool and KC Green from Las Lomas High School, along with Kevin Jervis, from WCI, provided beautiful background music during the luncheon. Mr. John Schroeder, director of the Las Lomas Strings Ensemble Club, conducted members, Wesley Cohen, Claire Edelmann, Matt Fisherkeller, Nikki French, Heidi Huh, Cameron Leng, Sam Naff and Jason Zavaleta, providing elegant classical music before the luncheon. KC Green, accompanied Mrs. Crosby while she sang the famous Johnny Burke & Jimmy Van Heusen song, “Imagination”.

Each teacher modeled her new hair color, hairstyles and make-up, provided by event partner, Gina Khan Salon in Walnut Creek. Event partner, Macy’s, outfitted the models in the latest Fall styles. Gina Khan Salon owner, Vijai, and his staff of stylists and colorists, along with Macy’s personal shopper and stylist, Sunny Pardoe, hosted the style show. Another event partner, SkinSpirit Skincare Clinic & Spa, Walnut Creek’s newest med spa, provided complimentary facials for each of the models.

“We are thrilled to be the beneficiary of this special and memorable event,” said Nancy Rivara, president of WCEF. Rivara was a principal for 24 years in the Walnut Creek School District. “Knowing first-hand how dedicated educators are, providing a chance for our hard working teachers to be pampered and appreciated all at the same time is an experience they will forever appreciate,” added Rivara.

Through reservations and the raffle, close to $7,000 was raised to support academic programs and support services for students grades K12 in the Walnut Creek School District and at Las Lomas High School. Gifts featured in the raffle included gift certificates to Bing Crosby’s Restaurant & Piano Lounge, McCovey’s, and Maria Maria. Gorgeous gift baskets and gift cards were provided by Gina Khan Salon and SkinSpirit Skincare Clinic & Spa. A gift certificate was also provided by Broadway Plaza. Gina Khan Salon and Skin Spirit Clinic & Spa also provided gift bags filled with generous amounts of products and complimentary beauty services for each attendee.

About the Walnut Creek Education Foundation

The Walnut Creek Education Foundation K-12 is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501c3 organization founded in 2005 to maintain academic programs that are cut due to the state’s education budget shortfall. WCEF receives support through financial and in-kind donations from business and corporate partners, parents, alumni, grants and the community-at-large. WCEF is managed by volunteers who are active supporters of the schools, and includes a board of directors made up of an executive committee, trustees and advisory members. The Foundation has two paid, part-time staff members – an executive director and data manager. For more information, contact WCEF at (925) 933.WCEF (9233) or go to www.wcefK12.org