Runway fund-raiser reaches for the stars

The 66th Annual Loyola Style Show honoring the Class of 2019 is going to be out of this world! Themed “Snoopy Goes to Space,” this year’s school fundraiser is sure to offer hot fashions, delicious cuisine and a good time for all.

The annual style show will be held at 11 a.m. on Nov. 7 at the Shreveport Convention Center. Chairmen this year include Shan Ponthie, Sallye Corbell and Elizabeth Pippin.

“The Loyola College Prep Class of 2019 ventures to infinity and beyond when ‘Snoopy Goes to Space,’” Ponthie said. “The seniors will model far-out fashions from 18 local vendors for the 66th year.”

“Every year, I’m amazed at the high quality of the entire production, from the music mixes to the choreography mastered by the students – the majority of whom have no dance experience – and the elaborate table and stage decorations,” Ponthie said.

“I’ve been heavily involved with style show decorations and set design for the last four to five years,” Corbell said. “Besides affording me a creative outlet, volunteering has allowed me to spend many hours with other parent volunteers and has facilitated meaningful friendships that would not have otherwise developed.”

This year attendees can expect to see fashions from 18 local clothing vendors modeled by 102 Loyola College Prep seniors. “It’s astounding that the entire event is put together by parent volunteers in partnership with very generous, local clothing vendors and businesses,” Ponthie said.

Lunch will be served, which includes a chicken Caesar wrap, pasta salad, chips and a brownie. There will also be opportunities to win lavish gift baskets with the purchase of sweepstakes tickets. Tickets will be on sale before and during the show.

Proceeds from the style show fundraiser go toward continuing education for faculty, improvements on campus and technology needs, and financial aid for students.

“Loyola isn’t a neighborhood school. We draw students from Shreveport, Bossier, Benton and East Texas,” Ponthie said. “We have kids from every corner of the community and from many different backgrounds. Scholarships are provided to students who need assistance, and these funds contribute to that very worthy cause.”

“We’ve been in the same buildings for many years, so we have continuous needs for building improvements and upkeep to maintain these historic spaces,” Pippin said.

New this year to the style show shenanigans is the Preview Party, “Snoopy Shoots for the Stars.” It will be held on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Loyola Cafeteria. “I’m so excited about the new addition of our auction/preview party,” Corbell said. “The decorations will also be out of this world!” “We’re hoping to raise money for our school through this silent and live auction,” Pippin said. “Snoopy Shoots for the Stars is for adults 21 and older, will feature the spacethemed decorations, food by LeLouisiane Catering and an open bar by Rotolo’s.”

Tickets for the Preview Party and Auction are available online at https://lcpstyleshow2018. eventbrite.com and are $45, which includes an open bar.

The style show isn’t just a worthy fund-raiser, but also a strong memory-maker for families and community alike. “My favorite style show memory is a personal one,” Ponthie said. “A few years ago my son, who was a senior, broke his leg three weeks before the show. We both thought that there was no way he could participate. However, he managed to learn the choreography – with crutches! – and he and his friends nailed their number. It was a small example of overcoming personal adversity for the greater good!”

“I really enjoy seeing the generations who have been blessed with a Catholic education, and the seniors that have parents and grandparents who attended Loyola, Jesuit, St. Vincent’s, St. John’s or Notre Dame,” Pippin said. “This year, we have over 25 percent of the seniors who have parents or grandparents as alumni.”

Tickets for the style show are $40 and are sold online at https:// lcpstyleshow2018.eventbrite.com until Oct. 24, then prices increase to $45 through Nov. 26. Corporate sponsorships range from $400 to $4,000 and include various perks with the purchase of corporate tables. They are available until Oct. 17 at https://lcpstyleshowsponsorship2018.eventbrite.com.

Sweepstakes tickets may be reserved online: $50 for five chances or $100 for 10 chances at https://lcpstyleshow2018.eventbrite.com until Nov. 6 or purchased individually at the Anderson Building and on the day of the show.

For more information, visit https://www.loyolaprep.org/parents/calendar/styleshow2018.

– Betsy St. Amant Haddox