In queue for new shoes

If Marshmallow Skins ever become the hottest comfort shoes in

America, let history show that 5-year-old Vivian Donovan was the

first Costa Mesan to own a pair.

Thursday, Vivian was among more than 60 girls honored for

completing the summer program at Girls Inc., a nonprofit organization

dedicated to promoting strength and responsibility. To reward the

girls for their projects in science, entrepreneurship and other

subjects, local businessman Jerry Stefani donated a pair of his newly

invented shoes to each participant.

Marshmallow Skins, which feature a soft rubber sole and four

interchangeable cotton tops, have yet to be picked up by a major

retailer. So when Vivian arrived at the head of the line at Girls

Inc., she became the first in her city to crack open a box.

How did she feel about making history? She summed it up in a word:

“Happy.”

The lunch celebration at Girls Inc. marked the end of the 10-week

summer session, in which girls participated in programs involving

finances, mathematics and personal safety. A number of older girls

also joined in the Youth Empowerment and Self-Sufficiency program,

which teaches skills needed to start a business.

It was the latter program, in particular, that inspired Stefani to

donate the shoes.

“He thought Girls Inc. would be a great launch for the shoes

because the summer program was all about entrepreneurship and

starting your own business,” said his daughter, Terri Beans, who

helped to distribute the shoes to the girls while her father was away

at a fashion convention in Las Vegas.

The shoes came as a surprise to the girls, who gathered to receive

certificates for their activities. The first part of the ceremony

centered around the entrepreneurship program participants, who

created their own mini-businesses in August.

Kimberly Harnish, the program facilitator for Girls Inc.,

presented six awards to the young business owners: Highest revenue

earned went to the Girly Girl Salon, best customer service to Jr.’s

Massages, most original to the Arts & Crafts Studio, most creative to

the TALL Arcade, most improved to the Funky Dance Crib, and the

girl’s choice award -- for most popular business -- to the Kold Stone

ice cream shop.

“Before they were even open, there was a line waiting to get ice

cream,” Harnish said.

* MICHAEL MILLER covers education and may be reached at (714)

966-4617 or by e-mail at [email protected].