NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Oct. 22, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Christmas Company Opening Night Gala themed "Come Fly With Me" will be held 6:30-10:30 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 10, at the OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. Tickets priced at $75 per person are available for purchase through Nov. 5 online at www.jlocc.org or by calling (949) 263-3785.
The theme of the 35th annual event reflects The Christmas Company Overall Chair Jaynine Warner's profession; she is a pilot for Sky West Airlines. Special Events Chair Jennifer Gonzales led the team responsible for the creation of the many facets of the black-tie occasion, which will kick off the Junior League of Orange County, Calif., Inc., four-day shopping extravaganza, its signature annual fundraiser.
"Small plates are being provided by restaurants including Above All Catering, Bayside Restaurant, Bluewater Grill, Five Crowns, The Golden Truffle Catering & Restaurant, The Melting Pot, NapaStyle, Newport Rib Company, Panera, Royal Khyber, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, and What a Dish Cafe and Catering. The sweets will be offered by It's All About the Cake, and others," says Gonzales. "Strolling diners have the advantage of getting the first look at the fabulous merchandise offered by more than 90 exhibitors, while also enjoying wines and signature cocktails provided by Gallo Family Vineyards. Guests will also have a chance to win a beautiful diamond and pink quartz fashion ring (valued at $5,000) donated by Black, Starr & Frost in the 'Champagne and Diamonds' opportunity drawing, a popular aspect of past JLOCC fundraisers. Entertainment and exciting Live and Silent Auctions will also be part of this event. " There will also be a mobile cigar lounge, a replica of a classic 1946 Westcraft trailer designed as a cigar smokers dream machine, complete with a walk-in, cedar-lined humidor, cherry wood furniture and Italian leather upholstery for the enjoyment of cigar aficionados.
A wide array of items is featured in the evening's auctions. They include a private flying lesson courtesy of Orange County Flight Center; exclusive winery tour and tasting opportunities courtesy of the Gallo Family Vineyards; beautiful works of art; golf outings; romantic getaways, including trip packages to Napa Valley, and stays in Italian Villas and Mexican hideaways; tickets to theme parks, sporting events, and Hollywood premiere parties; spa experiences; certificates to dine at both long-time favorite and up and coming local restaurants; and stunning jewelry.
Special events starting the following day are also part of The Christmas Company. At a Preferred Shopping Breakfast ($35) 9-11 a.m., Thurs., Nov. 11, guests will enjoy a glass of champagne and breakfast while enjoying an exclusive two-hour VIP shopping experience. No baby strollers are allowed at this event.
Swimmer Janet Evans will be the keynote speaker for a Motivational Luncheon entitled "Inspiration from an Olympic Medalist" to be held 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Fri., Nov. 12 ($35).
Zov Karamardian, chef/owner of Zov's Bistro & Bakery in Tustin, as well as Zov's Cafe & Bar in both Irvine and Newport Coast, will introduce her second book "Simply Zov," during a cooking demonstration and book-signing to be held 7-8:30 p.m., Fri., Nov. 12 ($35).
"Breakfast with Santa," sponsored by Build-A-Bear Workshop and Ruby's Diner will be held 10-11:30 a.m., Sat., Nov. 13. Tickets are $15 per adult, $30 per child (which includes the bear).
Attendees will enjoy a little pampering at "Friends, Fashion & Fun" to be held 2:30 - 4 p.m., Sat., Nov. 13 ($15). Starting with a luxurious hand massage provided by Crabtree and Evelyn, the event will feature DJ Max of Tribalunderworld who will set the mood with music while guests enjoy appetizers. Once the lights go down, stylish fashions from Macy's Mission Viejo will be modeled along with added glamour created by hair styles by Paul Mitchell the School and make-up by CAMMUA.
Two Tea Parties for parents and children (age three and up) with "Fancy Nancy" book series illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Sun., Nov. 14. Glasser will present the latest book in the series, "Fancy Nancy and the Fabulous Fashion Boutique." (Tickets $25)
All special event tickets and autographed copies of the new books are available for pre-order online at www. jlocc.org or by calling (949) 263-3785 through Nov. 5.
The Christmas Company general admission is $10 per person, which includes entrance to the shopping extravaganza. General admission hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 11; 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 12; 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. , Saturday, Nov. 13; and 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. , Sunday, Nov. 14. General admission tickets good for multi-day entry will be available at the door and online at www.jlocc.org. Pre-ordered tickets for the special events are recommended, as they may sell out.
Sponsors for the event to-date include REO World, Dacor, Gallo Family Vineyards, Jill FM, Enterprise Counsel Group, Direct Carpet, Orange Coast Magazine and Zov's Bistro & Bakery. Funds raised annually by the JLOCC directly impact the community through collaborative projects with partner organizations and support JLOCC's mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community. This year's projects include the Second Harvest Food Bank Backpack Program, Crittenton Services Connect Program, Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) Reading Program, Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Emancipated Youth Program, Kinship Support Services Program, Bear Hugs and Bear Necessities Program, and Impact Orange County, which conducts done-in-a-day volunteer opportunities.
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 leadership of trained volunteers. JLOCC has helped found organizations such as Orangewood Children's Home and the Volunteer Center of Orange County, now known as OneOC. 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 all individuals in Orange County. 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.