Junior League fund-raiser begins this weekend

-- Elise Gee

FAIRGROUNDS -- The Junior League of Orange County’s fund-raiser and

shopping extravaganza, The Christmas Company, is expected to offer more

than all of its previous annual events, organizers said.

The Junior League will kick off its signature fund-raiser Saturday with a

black-tie gala reception. The shopping event, in its 24th year, has

raised more than $3.5 million to date, with a record $381,000 raised in

1997 alone.

Dozens of vendors, holiday shopping and special events -- such as

Breakfast with Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa -- are among of the

highlights. Proceeds from the event go to community programs focused on

the prevention of teen pregnancy and child abuse.

“We’ve packed this year with more entities than we’ve ever had before,”

said Linda Colton, chairwoman for The Christmas Company.

This year’s four-day event, which begins Sunday, will feature more than

30 new exhibitors, including LeAnn’s Fine Toffee and The Pot Works. About

30 of the event’s traditional vendors will also return, including A Whale

of a Tale, Children’s Bookshoppe and Fabulous Pewterware.

This year’s theme, “Holiday at Sea,” recreates the vintage cruise ship

era of the 1920s and ‘30s. Special events include luncheons, cooking

classes and fashion shows, which cost $20 to $25 per person.

The black-tie gala, which goes for $125 a plate, will feature a martini

bar, music from The Don Miller Orchestra, a silent auction and dinner

served by the Five Crowns and the Blue Water Grill, among others.

Organizers expect 1,500 people to attend and a minimal number of tickets

are still available.

For more information, call (949) 263-3785.