A group of fashionable students at Sammamish High School will hit the runway on Thursday, Feb. 25 for the “Strutting for Smiles” Operation Smile Fashion Show.
The benefit show, hosted in the school’s Performing Arts Center, will feature 20 students of all grade levels and four faculty members modeling a variety of looks including everyday fashion, business attire, high glam and beach wear.
Tickets are $5 at the door and the show begins at 6:30 p.m. Ticket sales and donations at the fashion show will help raise funds for Operation Smile, a nonprofit organization made up of medical professionals who perform volunteer reconstructive surgery for children born with facial deformities such as cleft lip and cleft palate.
In light of the larger organization, a small group of students at Sammamish High School formed Club Operation Smile this past year to help with fundraising efforts. Led by staff member Kim Dunda, club members have successfully held a variety of fundraising activities during the school year including an SAT testing and tutoring event. The club coordinated efforts with Bellevue Tutoring Center to offer a mini workshop for fellow students. The Bellevue Tutoring Center then donated the fees that were collected back to Operation Smile.
“It cost $250 for each cleft palate (reconstructive) surgery. Our goal as a new club this year is to raise enough money to cover 10 surgeries,” Dunda explained. “Having this surgery can change a person’s life and the students involved in our club are very passionate about the work the organization does around the world.”
Club Operation Smile meets once a week at Sammamish High School to plan upcoming fundraising events and to raise awareness for the nonprofit. The fashion show will mark the first major community event of the year hosted by the club. A school Decade Dance is also in the works.
“The students are having fun with this,” Dunda said. “These kids worked hard to produce this fashion show and it should be a great community event.”
What: Strutting for Smiles- Operation Smile Fashion Show
Where: Sammamish High School Performing Arts Center
When: Thursday, Feb. 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $5 at the door (donations welcome)
To learn more about Operation Smile, visit www.operationsmile.org .
