NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Sept. 14, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- From an Evening of Food & Wine hosted by a legendary winemaker to a Hawaiian-themed gala, a variety of events for all ages will add to the fun at The Christmas Company, the Junior League of Orange County, California, Inc., (JLOCC) shopping extravaganza to be held this year at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort.
The JLOCC will host its signature fundraising event, themed "A Holiday Hawaiian Style," from Sunday, Oct. 15, through Wednesday, Oct. 18. Attendees will have the opportunity to shop from as many as 90 vendors from across the United States, some of which have been featured on "Oprah" and "The Today Show" and have had specialty items displayed at the White House. Throughout The Christmas Company, the JLOCC will feature special events which will also take place at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Tickets can be purchased at www.jlocc.org.
An Evening of Food & Wine will be hosted by Gina Gallo and the Gallo Family Vineyards ($45) at 6:00-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 17. The third-generation winemaker will introduce the new Gallo Family Vineyard Estate wines, the signature of the family's fine wine portfolio. In addition to the Gallo Single Vineyard wines, selections from Frei Brothers Reserve, Louis M. Martini, MacMurray Ranch and Napa Valley Vineyards will be available along with light hors d'oeuvres provided by Antonello Ristorante and an olive-oil sampling bar.
A Tommy Bahama Fashion Show & Luncheon ($35) will be held at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 18, with lunch provided by Gatehouse. Infused with the spirit of all things tropical, the most recent collection of the trademark island-themed clothing will be on display. The items selected are crafted from luxurious and sensual fabrics including the finest cotton, denim, linen and washable silks.
The popular American Girl Fashion Shows ($27) featuring local youngsters, who walk the runway while cradling dolls dressed in matching attire, will be held Sunday, Oct. 15, at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., & 4 p.m. and Monday, Oct. 16, at 4 p.m. Known for its dolls, books, clothing, and accessories, the American Girl concept of creating histories of women in America to characterize its dolls is designed to help girls grow up to become women who make a difference. The 'Looking Back' section at the end of each doll's book explains real events from different time periods such as going to Ellis Island, which serves as a reminder of what's important: friends, family, and following your dreams -- values that are in keeping with Junior League precepts. Food will be provided by Meyerhoff's Fine Catering.
For shoppers who want an early start, V.I.P treatment is extended to attendees of The Preferred Shopping Breakfast ($30) which begins at 8 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 15. Guests will enjoy a continental breakfast provided by The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf of Corona del Mar and can shop before the event opens to the public at 10 a.m. No baby strollers are allowed at this event.
"Formals and Flip-Flops," this year's black-tie optional Opening Night Gala will be held at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 14. Tickets, priced at $100 each, will include a silent auction and a preview of the event's merchant booths. Local restaurants and eateries including Five Crowns, Cannery Seafood of the Pacific, Bluewater Grill, Harborside Restaurant and Grand Ballroom, Newport Landing, The Melting Pot, Newport Rib Company, Saltwater Mexican Grill, and French's Cupcake Bakery will contribute food for the event. Gallo of Sonoma and Pavilions return as a beverage sponsors along with Fiji Water. Tickets will be available for purchase online at www.jlocc.org or by calling (949) 263-3785.
The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is located at 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach. The Christmas Company admission is $10 per person and includes parking. General show hours are:
Sunday, Oct. 15 -- 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17 -- 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 16 -- 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18 -- 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The JLOCC has raised more than $6.5 million for the benefit of the JLOCC's charitable projects primarily through The Christmas Company, which is its largest fundraiser and begins its fourth decade this year.
As a solely educational and charitable organization, the JLOCC's trained volunteers actively support the community through collaboration with organizations that promote and support the health, safety and education of women and children including Orange County Bar Foundation; Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center; Casa Teresa Inc.; Girls, Inc.; YMCA of Orange County; and Bear Hugs. The organization awards thousands of dollars in grants and scholarships each year.
About the Junior League of Orange County, California, Inc.
The Junior League of Orange County, California, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and the leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. A 501(c)(3) organization, the JLOCC reaches out to women of all races, religions, and national origins. Originally founded in 1956 as the Newport Harbor Service League, the JLOCC is a member organization of the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. To learn more about the JLOCC, call (949) 261-0823 or visit www.jlocc.org.