NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Aug. 4, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Junior League of Orange County, California, Inc., (JLOCC) has set the dates and a new location for The Christmas Company. The theme for this year's shopping extravaganza to be held at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is "A Holiday Hawaiian Style." Attendees will get a first glimpse of as many as 100 vendors to be showcased Sunday, October 15, through Wednesday, October 18. The "Formals and Flip-Flops" black-tie optional, kick-off event will be held at 7 p.m., Saturday, October 14. The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is located at 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach.
More than 1,100 guests attended the popular Opening Night Gala last year. Tickets, priced at $100 each, will include a silent auction and a preview of the event's merchant booths. 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 31st anniversary of The Christmas Company, which has raised more than $6.5 million for the benefit of The JLOCC's charitable projects. This year's recipients are Orange County Bar Foundation, Impact Orange County; Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center; Casa Teresa Mentoring Program; Girls, Inc., Action for Safety Program; YMCA Youth Services Corp; and Bear Hugs.
Following the opening night gala, The Christmas Company will be open to the public Sunday, October 15 through Wednesday, October 18 and admission is $7 per person. Shopping hours are as follows:
Sunday, October 15 -- Tuesday, October 17 -- 10 a.m.-6:00 p.m. 10 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Monday, October 16 -- Wednesday, October 18 -- 10 a.m.-9:00 p.m. 10 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Additional subsidiary events are in the planning stages. Preferred Shopping Admission, allowing entry at 8 a.m. on Sunday ($25), has typically sold out in advance. A Wine Tasting hosted by Gina Gallo ($45) is scheduled for Tuesday, and American Girl Fashion Shows (10 a.m., 1 p.m., & 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15 and 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 16, $25) will feature local youngsters who walk the runway while cradling dolls dressed in matching attire.
The Junior League of Orange County, CA, 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. 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.