NPHS club prepares for AIDS fundraiser
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

As the end of the school year approaches, many students are focused on finals and summer vacation plans. But the Interact Club at Newbury Park High School is in full swing planning a May 31 fundraiser that will raise money for AIDS awareness.

Sophomore Amanda Vu is knee-deep in putting together the second "Threads for Red," a fashion show event thought up by Tania Gennell, an NPHS alumna now finishing up her freshman year at UC Irvine. The two are working together to make this year's event even more successful than the last.

"Last year we raised $2,100, so we hope to raise more this year," Amanda said. "We're working together to make it happen."

Gennell had the idea after hearing a speaker discuss global economics and the exploitation of Third World countries.

"I heard some daunting statistics, and it definitely had a huge impact on me," Gennell said. "I had to do something about it, and I wanted to do something different, something fun."

The fashion show will showcase student designers' fashions as well as clothes loaned to studentmodels by local stores, including Revolution, Old Navy, Frenzy and Diesel.

"Threads for Red" is Sat., May 31 at the NPHS gym. Dinner and a silent auction begin at 6 p.m. and the fashion show kicks off at 7 p.m. A band of NPHS alumni will perform, and deejay Matthew Hornbeek will oversee the event.

Tickets are $7 and go on sale next week. Students can purchase them on campus from any of the student-models.

All proceeds will benefit the Global Fund for AIDS Relief.

Community members may call Amanda at (815) 341-0881 to purchase tickets in advance or buy them at the door the evening of the event. Also, please call her if interested in donating items for the silent auction or clothes for the fashion show.