Sisters Senna and Maana Kolagotla of Gilroy enjoy the 2013 Summit for the Planet Walk-a-thon through the forest. The 5K event is hosted by Mount Madonna School. Photo by Maureen Pramanik

Catch a “trash fashion show” and an array of family-themed green activities at the upcoming eighth annual Summit for the Planet Walk-a-thon and Earth Day Celebration Saturday, April 26. Hosted by Mount Madonna School, this free public event combines a 5K fundraising walk-a-thon supporting local nonprofits with an eco-carnival, solar car races, music, wildlife, green shopping, learning expo and organic foods.
“Trash Fashion creativity is a sight to behold,” said trash fashion emcee and first-grade teacher Cassia Laffin. “We’ve had skirts made from paint sample cards and plastic bottle dresses. Every design is truly unique. Students, let your imaginations soar as you deliberate on your new design! What recycled finds will inspire the inner diva in you?”
Festivities begin at 9 a.m. with walk-a-thon registration; the walk begins at 10 a.m., and the celebration concludes at 1:30 p.m.
Participants will spotlight sustainable “eco-living” and education, and include a broad range of environmentally-focused businesses and nonprofits, from the Bat Conservancy of Coastal California to Allterra Solar, the Wildlife Education Rehabilitation Center, Bay Area Amphibian and Reptile Society, Sulphur Creek Nature Center, Mt. Madonna Stables and Save Our Shores. Attendance at this annual event has grown to some 500 people of all ages, from across the south valley.
In addition to be a community-building “fun-draiser,” Summit for the Planet also promotes a healthy lifestyle. Families are invited to join faculty, friends and community members and spend time walking a 5K course through the forest.

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