Bellarmine Annual Fashion Show for Financial Aid, ''Invitation to Intrigue,'' Ready for Prime Time.

News Editors/Education Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 15, 2003

San Jose Magazine, Heritage Bank, Greater Bay Bancorp and Acuity

Ventures, LLC among Co-Sponsors of November 7 Gala Fund Raiser 

Bellarmine College Preparatory today announced that preparations for its 49th Annual Mothers' Guild Fashion Show for Financial Aid, this year themed "Invitation to Intrigue," are entering their final phases with the professionally aided selection of 77 models and over 50 singers, dancers and hosts and character actors. The gala event, which in 2002 contributed in excess of $176,000 towards the education of more than 200 qualified students requiring financial aid, is being supported this year by San Jose Magazine, Heritage Bank, Greater Bay Bancorp, Acuity Ventures, LLC along with many Bellarmine families, businesses, alumni, and longtime friends of the school.

"Each year, the Mothers' Guild Fashion Show for Financial Aid draws a full house and proves why it is one of the Valley's most anticipated social events," said Father Gerald Wade, S.J., Chancellor and Interim President of Bellarmine College Preparatory. "This year's production, with its TV and movie spy show theme, promises a lot of fun surprises for the audience. It's terrific to be able to provide so much excitement, intrigue and entertainment, featuring our talented young men and others."

Continued Father Wade, "The monies raised go to helping students who may otherwise not be able to attend a college preparatory school such as Bellarmine. Thus the show helps fulfill a primary mission in Jesuit education."

For the Nov. 7, 2003 show, the 77 student, faculty and parent models have been selected by a panel of judges including Craig Stanley of James Craig Hair Color and Design in Saratoga, professional models Linda Lance and Sheila Barrett, fashion show producer Lisa Ackerman, and director Kim Selby. In addition to Bellarmine participants, approximately 40 girls from other Bay Area high schools have been selected as models and dancers and character actors.

Bellarmine also announced that Preston Wynne Spa and James Craig Hair Color and Design will be providing model make-up and model hair styling respectively. As previously announced, fashions will be provided by Eli Thomas Menswear, Macy's Valley Fair, Talbots, Cache and Jessica McClintock Inc.

"Invitation to Intrigue" will be held on Nov. 7 at the Fairmont Hotel San Jose, with a noon luncheon followed by a 1:15 p.m. fashion show, and a 6:30 p.m. cocktails and dinner event followed by a 7:15 p.m. fashion show. Luncheon tickets are $80 per person. The dinner tickets are $135 per person and the evening (black tie optional) gala will include dancing to the Garage Band. For more information on the event, please call the Bellarmine Mothers' Guild at 408-294-9224, ext. 209.

About Bellarmine College Preparatory

Bellarmine College Preparatory has been educating young men since 1851, when it was originally founded on the same campus as Santa Clara University. The school has been at its current location on West Hedding in San Jose's College Park district for 78 years. Bellarmine students are educated in the Jesuit tradition of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, and are encouraged to become "men for others." While Bellarmine strives for academic excellence, the school also seeks to instill a sense of responsibility through a variety of community ministry and service programs. Bellarmine has a current enrollment of 1450 and a faculty/staff of 150.