Bob Burton to emcee Parrish benefit show June 5

FALLBROOK — Bob Burton, the former director of student activities at Fallbrook High School (1966-1996), is slated to emcee the upcoming benefit variety show for Fallbrook resident Marcia Parrish on Sunday, June 5. “Marcia Mania,” sponsored by the Community Arts Task Force, is being held at the Bob Burton Center for the Performing Arts with a silent auction beginning at 2 p.m. and entertainment at 3.

Marcia Parrish, a Fallbrook resident since 1981, is combating an inoperable brain tumor and needs costly treatments that will leave her with a huge financial burden. Marcia is currently undergoing radiation and chemotherapy in Milwaukee, WI, while staying with her daughter, Poppy, a 1995 Fallbrook High School graduate. Marcia’s son Sam, a 2001 FHS graduate, lives in San Luis Obispo.

Marcia is well known in Fallbrook as a devoted employee and volunteer at numerous schools and community organizations. Most of Marcia’s career has been as a teacher at local private schools. She taught at the Presbyterian Church preschool for five years, was a computer and physical education instructor at Fallbrook Country Day for four years and taught art and drama and ran the computer lab at Zion Lutheran School for nine years. Currently, Marcia is the office manager at Community Baptist Church.

For over 25 years, Marcia has been involved with the Girl Scouts. She has led Girl Scout troops at every age level and became a trainer for the Girl Scout leaders. She went on to a position as a national instructor for local trainers.

Perhaps where Marcia is best known is as a tireless volunteer for various community and school theatre groups. Poppy and Sam were involved in theatre and as a parent, Marcia volunteered many hours backstage. Even after they both graduated, Marcia continued her involvement with theatre, particularly at Fallbrook High School, where she has been the stage manager for numerous productions over the last six years. Marcia has had the opportunity to impact the lives of many FHS music and drama students during this time and they all appreciate the countless hours she has spent working with them.

The benefit variety show “Marcia Mania” is a fitting way to raise money to help Marcia and also acknowledge the work she has done in the theater. Put together by Florene Villane of the high school drama department, the show will be a collection of scenes from the many shows that Marcia has stage-managed. These include scenes from “Lend Me a Tenor,” “Dracula,” “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “The Foreigner,” “The Odd Couple” and “Rumors.” In addition, the high school Improvisation Team will be performing.

The task force is still accepting items for the silent auction. Monetary donations may be made to the Marcia Parrish fund at Mission Oaks National Bank, 41530 Enterprise Circle S., Temecula, or dropped off at either Zion Lutheran Church or Community Baptist Church in Fallbrook.

Tickets for the silent auction and variety show will be available at the door. For information, you can call Fallbrook High at (760) 723-6300, ext. 2304, or Paula Brandt at (760) 728-5714.