NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Oct. 10, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- "Formals and Flip-Flops," this year's black-tie optional Opening Night Gala, kicks off The Christmas Company shopping extravaganza at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 14. The evening includes an exciting silent auction in addition to entertainment, small-plate dining, and a preview of 90 merchant booths. The event held at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is hosted by the Junior League of Orange County, Calif., Inc. (JLOCC), which uses the funds raised to benefit charitable groups throughout the county.
Among the package trips in the auction are excursions to Hawaii's Conde Nast Gold List Grand Hyatt and the Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa, some of which include first-class airfare. Golfers will compete for a 2007 Masters Package in Augusta, Georgia. The Fairmont Orchid Hawaii and Fairmont Kea Lani Maui will also be in the bidding. Getaways to Mexico and the Caribbean include accommodations at the Westin Resort & Spa Cancun and the Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach & Villa Jamaican Resort. A selection of fine jewelry and a spa experience at Burke Williams are also among the many items that will be available.
Food for the event will be contributed by local restaurants and eateries including Five Crowns Restaurant, 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. Gallo of Sonoma and Pavilions return as a beverage sponsors along with Fiji Water. Tickets priced at $100 each are available for purchase online at www.jlocc.org or by calling (949) 263-3785.
The Opening Night Gala is just the beginning of a four-day event in which merchants from across the United States offer a head start on holiday gift buying. The Christmas Company shopping extravaganza themed "A Holiday Hawaiian Style" will continue on Sunday, Oct. 15, through Wednesday, Oct. 18. Some of the unique collection of vendors have been featured on "Oprah" and "The Today Show" and have had specialty items displayed at the White House. Everything from women's fashions to children's clothing and books, home decor, gardening items and gourmet foods will be on display. A wide gamut of everyday products and holiday decorations will also be offered.
General admission to The Christmas Company shopping extravaganza is $10 per person and includes parking. The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is located at 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach. 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.
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 permitted at this event.
Throughout The Christmas Company, the JLOCC will hold a variety of events including An Evening of Food & Wine hosted by Gina Gallo; A Tommy Bahama Fashion Show & Luncheon; and the popular American Girl Fashion Shows, all of which will also take place at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Tickets for the special events can be purchased at www.jlocc.org.
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.