They're off to camp: Menlo School benefit turns campus into a campground They're off to camp: Menlo School benefit turns campus into a campground (March 23, 2005)

By Jane Knoerle

Almanac Lifestyles Editor

Over the years, Menlo School fashion shows have "Hit the Road," been "Unforgettable," and harked back to the 1960s in "Menlo a Go-Go," but this year's "Camp Menlo" tops them all.

The 55th annual benefit will be held Friday, April 15, at Menlo School, 50 Valparaiso Ave. in Atherton.

Invitations went out recently in the form of a map of "Camp Menlo."

The map includes a message from "head counselor" Norm (Headmaster Norm Colb), a camp song, a letter home to mom and dad, even "camp chic" telling partygoers what to wear to the evening party. Example: tiara for late-night marshmallow roasts for the ladies, and jeans, coat and tails (raccoon acceptable) for the men.

Decorations chairman Melissa Badger of Atherton came up with the idea of "Camp Menlo" after the student council reported the kids would prefer a casual concept for this year's benefit.

Parent Tom Suiter, who has a background in advertising and graphic arts, was ready to pitch in. He designed all the benefit's printed materials, including the invitations.

More than 100 parents are involved in putting on "Camp Menlo," working almost a year ahead on the annual production, which includes a luncheon, dinner and fashion show. Libby Taylor of Atherton and Jan Soderstrom of Menlo Park are benefit co-chairs.

The camp theme will be carried out in the party tent installed on the Atherton campus. Ms. Badger contacted a prop house in Los Angeles, which will be sending up an antler chandelier and "redwood trees."

There will be camp theme centerpieces on the tables and McCall Associates will be serving some camp favorites, including "mac 'n cheese" and baby back ribs at the dinner. As guests wait for their cars at the end of the evening, they will be able to snack on "s'mores."

Four pros are collaborating on the production and fashion show. They include Alex Perez, Jan Chandler, Kim Selby and Brenda Bernheim. Jeffrey Adair, another pro who has put Menlo kids through their paces in productions through the years, is taking this year off.

Artistic director Alex Perez, drama teacher at Menlo School, has worked as a director, choreographer and performer. Jan Chandler, who will direct the dance segments, has been the show's choreographer for 23 years.

Brenda Bernheim and Kim Selby will produce the show, with fashions from Bloomingdale's in Palo Alto. Ms. Bernheim has been producing fashion shows for 21 years.

Ms. Selby, former fashion director of Saks Fifth Avenue in Palo Alto, has her own fashion show company, Fashion is Fun.

The luncheon will include a donation drawing with giveaways, such as breakfast for 25 at Tiffany & Company and a Bloomingdale's shopping spree.

The optional black-tie dinner begins with cocktails and a live auction before the fashion show. The bidding items include a dinner with Headmaster Norm Colb and his wife, Susan; a spa retreat for 12; a Sun Valley ski vacation; and a luxury box for 23 at a Giants' game.
INFORMATION

Camp Menlo will be held Friday, April 15, at Menlo School, 50 Valparaiso Ave. in Atherton. It is open to the public. Tickets are $75 for the luncheon and $175 for dinner. Reservations may be made at menloschool.org. For more information on luncheon and dinner reservations, call Beth Volpe at 347-2230.

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