Junior League fundraiser nets $180,000

COSTA MESA — The Junior League of Orange County raised $180,000 in donations during their 35th annual holiday fundraiser, which is known as The Christmas Co.

The four-day fundraiser kicked off Nov. 10 at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa with a gala themed “Come Fly With Me.” Attendees had the first look at merchandise offered by more than 90 exhibitors who were on board for the fundraiser’s multiple-day shopping extravaganza, according to a press release.

The Christmas Co.’s special events started the following day. Early shoppers enjoyed a Preferred Shopping Breakfast starting at 9 a.m., during an exclusive two-hour VIP shopping experience.

Among the many other events was a talk with swimmer Janet Evans, who shared her journey to becoming an Olympic champion, a children’s “Breakfast with Santa” sponsored by Build-A-Bear Workshop and Ruby’s Diner, and Sunday Tea Parties for parents and children with “Fancy Nancy” book series illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser.

The Junior League of Orange County, California, Inc., is a women’s organization that promotes volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

—Sarah Peters