With no revenue source to fund ongoing replacement of computers in its schools, the Brookfield-LaGrange Park District 95 Technology Committee came up with a natural tie-in?”fashion.
Starting last February, the committee began its work to use fashion to raise money for new computers at both Brook Park and S.E. Gross schools. When the dust settled after the Oct. 23 “Fall into Fashion” show at Ashton Place in Willowbrook, the committee had raised $19,600.
According to teacher Susan Nokes, a member of the Technology Committee, the money was used to buy 24 new Apple eMac computers and new software, which were divided equally between the two schools.
“When I first heard about it, I though it was strange and made no sense,” said S.E. Gross Principal Thomas Hurlburt, who has since become a true believer. “But it was an outstanding activity. I’m completely sold on it.”
According to Nokes, nearly 400 people attended the fashion show, which featured clothing from Lord & Taylor, Marshall Field’s and other retailers. Faculty and students served as models for the event, which also included performances by the S.E. Gross Jazz Ensemble and S.E. Gross Chorus.
School board President James Landahl called the event a “model for communication” between the school and parents.
?”Bob Uphues
