NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Nov. 26, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The Junior League of Orange County, California, Inc., (JLOCC) wrapped up four days of shopping at The Christmas Company on Monday, November 19, with a sleigh-full of proceeds that will benefit local philanthropic causes. The popular annual fundraiser themed "The Spirit of Christmas" gave shoppers a holiday head start at the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center with merchandise offered by more than 100 unique and one-of-a-kind retailers from Orange County and around the country.
Six hundred guests attended the opening night party billed as An Evening of Food & Wine. They enjoyed an array of wine tastings courtesy of Gallo Family Vineyards, Napa Valley Vineyard, Ghost Pines, Gascon, and Frei Brothers Reserve, as well as a martini bar featuring UV Vodka. Bluewater Grill, Five Crowns, Newport Rib Company, The Cannery, Villa Nova, Blackmarket Bakery, Panera Bread, Royal Khyber, Sam & Harry's, Pavilions, Above All Catering and Saltwater Events and Catering provided small-plate dining. A Pure Bliss Chocolate Fountain offered a splashy dessert. Additional beverages were provided by Fiji Water and Peet's Coffee and Tea.
Family fun was also part of the mix, as close to 50 girls from around the county participated in The American Girl Fashion Shows held on Saturday and Sunday. Youngsters wearing both contemporary and historical outfits walked the runway with matching dolls while commentators described the customs of the period that inspired each character's costume.
This year marks the 32nd anniversary of The Christmas Company, which has raised more than $250,000 annually for the JLOCC and its community partners including the Orange County Bar Foundation, Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center, Casa Teresa Inc., Girls Inc., Orangewood Children's Foundation's Bridges to Higher Learning, Impact Orange County, and Bear Hugs. The organization also awards thousands of dollars in grants and scholarships each year. To date, the group has raised more than $6.5 million for its community efforts. 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.
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. JLOCC has contributed to Orange County by helping found organizations such as Orangewood Children's Home and the Volunteer Center of Orange County, among others. JLOCC's 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.