NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Oct. 24, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The 30th annual Junior League of Orange County, California, Inc., (JLOCC) Christmas Company Opening Night Gala and Shopping Extravaganza raised approximately $265,000 for local charitable projects. Due to the event's theme "Christmas in the Quarter," which was chosen over a year ago, $10,000 will be sent to the Rebuilding Together Hurricane Relief Fund to benefit the citizens of New Orleans.
Approximately 1,100 attendees at The Christmas Company's Opening Night Gala were given colorful beads as they entered on the red carpet set between oversized Mardi Gras masks and a city-street backdrop complete with a balcony. The event was held on Saturday, October 15, at The Orange County Fair & Exposition Center in Costa Mesa. VIP tickets provided access to an exclusive reception in the "Voodoo Lounge" where there was a hosted bar and a buffet of Southern specialties provided by JACKShrimp.
Guests bid on items in an extensive silent auction which offered exciting travel packages including airfare: A trip to the Galapagos Islands included both cruise and land elements. Canadian destinations included accommodations at Fairmont hotels in Vancouver and in the city of Victoria on Vancouver Island as well as in Banff and at Lake Louise. Guests chose among four-night stays at Hawaii's Conde-Nast Gold-List Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa and the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui. A Fairmont Orchid Hawaii (Big Island) Romance Package was also offered. A New York trip complete with Broadway show tickets and a Fairmont London Theatre Package were in demand as the auctioneer kept guests apprised of the bidding competition.
The New Orleans-style Jazz Trio, Le Jazz Hot, and a D.J. were among the night's entertainment. Many started their holiday shopping early at booths of the 80-plus vendors offering everything from gourmet items and kitchen tools to home decor, children's toys, jewelry and clothing. A cigar station and golf swing analyses by Golf Tec were also available. A host of area restaurants contributed heavy hors d'oeuvres and small-plate dining throughout the evening. They included Five Crowns, Cannery Seafood of the Pacific, Newport Landing & Harborside Restaurant & Grand Ballroom, Villa Nova, Royal Khyber, French's Cupcake Bakery, Mama Fu's Asian House, The Melting Pot, Newport Landing Restaurant, Newport Rib Company, Pavilions, and Saltwater Mexican Grill. Gallo of Sonoma returned as a beverage sponsor. Drinks were chilled at a colorful iced martini bar embedded with masks, with cocktails provided by Ciroc Vodka. Fiji Water was also donated.
The Christmas Company has raised millions of dollars for the benefit of the JLOCC's charitable projects. Current projects include Canyon Acres Children & Family Services; Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA); Impact Orange County; Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center; Casa Teresa Mentoring Program; Girls, Inc., Action for Safety Program; YMCA Youth Service Corps; and Bear Hugs. Rebuilding Together was chosen for a special donation due to its long-term rebuilding effort planned to assist families which have experienced the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and who need help to rehabilitate their homes, and due to the JLOCC's role in founding the local chapter of the organization in Orange County.
Sponsors of The Christmas Company included Ciroc Vodka, Fiji Water, Abbey Event Services, Gallo of Sonoma, Pavilions, Targus and The Allergan Foundation. In addition to giving a portion of this year's proceeds to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, $10 gift cards from national retailers such as Target, Wal-Mart or Sears were collected to be sent as part of the relief effort.
Following the opening night gala, The Christmas Company was open to the public Sunday, October 16-Wednesday, October 19. Preferred Shopping Admission, allowing early entrance on Sunday, included breakfast by Soiree underwritten by Green & Hall and a presentation by Gemologist Ann Whatu of Rafinity Jewelry designs. A Luncheon Fashion Show coordinated by Pat Perkowski of Fashion Forward was held at noon, Tuesday, October 18, with catering by Champagne French Bakery. During the luncheon, Newport Coast's Pink Wasabi featured the 2005 fall collection and the 2006 resort collection by Lilly Pulitzer themed "Private Island Getaway." A series of American Girl Fashion Shows on Sunday and Monday with catering by Meyerhoff Fine Catering showcased 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 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 and a vision of the organization in which each individual member is supported and encouraged to increase her experience, knowledge, and leadership skill set in the process of becoming an effectively trained community volunteer. To learn more about the JLOCC, call (949) 261-0823 or visit www.jlocc.org.