NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Sept. 29, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A host of headliners are scheduled for special events planned in conjunction with The Christmas Company, the Junior League of Orange County's signature fundraiser to be held Wed., Nov. 10 – Sun., Nov. 14, at the OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. A motivational presentation by Olympic Medalist Janet Evans, a culinary class and book-signing by award-winning restaurateur Zov Karamardian, Tea Parties with "Fancy Nancy" Illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser, a "Friends, Fashion & Fun" event sponsored by Macy's Mission Viejo, and Breakfast with Santa are all part of the shopping extravaganza, which features more than 90 vendors. Tickets to these events are available at , or by calling (949) 263-3785.
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., Friday, Nov. 12 ($35). Born and raised in Orange County, Evans won her first Olympic gold medals at the age of 16. At the time of her retirement, she had accrued 6 American records, 45 national titles, 3 world records and 5 Olympic medals. She is a legend in women's sports.
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., Friday, Nov. 12 ($35). The Zagat Restaurant Survey has recognized Zov's restaurants among those listed for "Top Food." Zov was named California Chef of the Year in 1999 by then Governor Gray Davis, and Restaurateur of the Year by the Southern California Restaurant Writers. Gallo Family Vineyards will provide wine pairings for each course being presented. Tickets and books can be pre-ordered online at .
"Breakfast with Santa," sponsored by Build-A-Bear Workshop and Ruby's Diner will be held 10-11 a.m., Sat., Nov. 13. It will include a visit with Santa, a delicious breakfast and a furry friend for the children to keep. 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., Sunday, Nov. 14. Glasser will present the latest book in the series, "Fancy Nancy and the Fabulous Fashion Boutique." Tickets ($25) and autographed copies of the new book are available for pre-order online at jlocc.org. A Belle Affair will create a charming English tea party atmosphere. Cupcakes by Jules Delights and favors from Posh Party Box will make the experience complete.
A Preferred Shopping Breakfast ($35) will start the overall event at 9-11 a.m., Thurs., Nov. 11. Guests will enjoy a glass of champagne and breakfast while enjoying their exclusive two hour VIP shopping experience. No baby strollers are allowed at the Preferred Breakfast.
The Christmas Company Opening Night Gala will be held 6:30 -10:30 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 10. Restaurants including BlueWater Grill, Five Crowns, Melting Pot, Newport Rib Company, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, and others, will provide small plate dining for the evening priced at $75 per person. Entertainment and Live and Silent Auctions will also be part of this event.
"In addition to our many events, The Christmas Company will offer the opportunity to shop at more than 90 unique vendors from Orange County and across the United States," says overall chair Jaynine Warner. 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 . Tickets for the special events also will be available for purchase through Nov. 5 online or by calling (949) 263-3785.
Sponsors for the event to-date include REO World, Dacor, Gallo Family Vineyards, Jill FM, Enterprise Counsel Group, Direct Carpet, and Orange Coast Magazine. 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. 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 .
CONTACT: Ballou Communications Susan Ballou (949) 477-3070 susanballou@att.net