NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., April 13, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Junior League of Orange County, California, Inc. (JLOCC) has set the dates for its 2005 Christmas Company. The theme for this year's Opening Night Gala is "Mardi-Gras: Christmas in the Quarter." The black-tie optional, kick-off event will be held Saturday, October 15, at The Orange County Fair & Exposition Center, located at the 55 Freeway and Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. Attendees will get the coveted first glimpse of The Christmas Company's annual shopping extravaganza which will showcase as many as 100 vendors Sunday, October 16, through Wednesday, October 19.
More than 1,200 guests attended the popular Opening Night Gala last year. VIP tickets, priced at $125 each, will provide access to an exclusive early reception and an extra hour (6-7 p.m.) to preview the silent auction and merchant booths. General Gala tickets ($75) will be available for the overall event starting at 7 p.m. More than a dozen restaurants typically contribute heavy hors d'oeuvres and small-plate dining. Gallo of Sonoma plans to return as a beverage sponsor. Tickets can be purchased online at www.jlocc.org or by calling (949) 263-3785.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of The Christmas Company, which has raised more than $6.5 million for the benefit of The Junior League's charitable projects. This year's recipients are Canyon Acres Children & Family Services; Court Appointed Special Advocates; Impact Orange County; Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center; Casa Teresa Mentoring Program; Girls, Inc., Action for Safety Program; YMCA Project; and Bear Hugs.
Following the opening night gala, The Christmas Company will be open to the public Sunday, October 16 - Wednesday, October 19, starting at 10 a.m. Closing hours are 6 p.m. on Sunday and Wednesday; 9 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. Admission is $7 per person. Additional subsidiary events are in the planning stages. Preferred Shopping Admission, allowing entry at 8 a.m., Sunday, ($25) has typically sold out in advance. A celebrity speaker from the world of food or fashion is being selected for a Tuesday Luncheon, and an American Girl Fashion Show (10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 16 and 4 p.m., Monday, Oct. 17, $25) will feature local youngsters who walk the runway while cradling dolls dressed in matching attire.
The Junior League of Orange County, CA, Inc., (JLOCC) 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. The members of the JLOCC share a vision of a community in which all children and adolescents are supported to flourish and realize their hopes and dreams. To learn more about the JLOCC, call (949) 261-0823 or visit www.jlocc.org.