JACKSON — The third annual fashion show and luncheon sponsored by the Jackson Educational Foundation raised more than $3,000 that will benefit the students of the Jackson School District. The event was held at La Bove Grande at Circle Landmark, Lakehurst, on Feb. 21.

The foundation raises money to support programs in the school district that might not otherwise be provided through the regular school budget.

Proceeds from the fashion show will be used toward scholarships for graduating high school seniors and the teacher grant program that are provided by the foundation.

Foundation President Martin Spielman said, "We all know it has become increasingly difficult to fund all of the programs that contribute to an outstanding school curriculum which will provide Jackson students with a high-quality, well-rounded educational experience. The JEF needs your help to continue funding these programs."

He said the foundation is committed to providing enhancements for all students, from kindergarten through high school, that will help prepare them for the exciting, competitive and often complex world in which they will live after completing their education.

Spielman said support for the foundation is being sought not just from individuals, but from companies and organizations.

At the fashion show and luncheon, Jackson students and teachers modeled prom gowns, men's formal wear and other women's apparel.Also walking the red carpet were Jackson Township Councilman Scott Martin, who is a foundation trustee, and his two daughters, as well as Jackson Mayor Michael Reina.

The fashion show and luncheon was chaired by Holman School Principal Theresa Licitra and the gift auction committee included Dara Sokoloff, Melissa Quartarone and Peggy Kaplan.

Gift baskets were designed and provided by Jackson Board of Education member Sharon Dey with contributions from local merchants and personal sponsors.

This year's ad journal had a new twist. The foundation invited students in the art departments of Jackson Liberty and Jackson Memorial high schools to participate in an ad journal cover design challenge. Organizers said the covers that were submitted were both so good that it was decided to use both designs in a different way.

The successful ad journal cover design was submitted by Melessa Sullivan, a junior at Jackson Liberty. The runner-up cover was designed by Troy Perez, a senior at Jackson Memorial, and was used on the luncheon menu and sponsor thank you.

Perez's design will also appear on the April 25 Casino Night printed menu and sponsor thank you.

"We believe we have started another JEF tradition with the ad journal cover design competition. This is just another way of working together and for each other," Spielman said.

He said the teachers and principals were grateful for the opportunity to let the students demonstrate their creativity. A digital camera will be presented to each high school's art department as an award for the ad journal cover design challenge.

Casino Night, for adults only, will be held April 25 at the Lakewood Country Club.

Carnival Day, for guests of all ages, will be held June 6. Proceeds will benefit the special needs programs and children of the Jackson School District.

For more information about the foundation, visit www.myjef.org.