Editorial
Front Page - Monday, November 09, 2009
Holiday House is a one-stop marvel
Rebecca Brockman
It’s somewhat hard to get in the holiday spirit with temperatures in the mid 70s. Perhaps if all the rain that’s been falling on Central Arkansas was white, fluffy snow, we could all be a bit jollier. Fortunately, the Junior League of Little Rock (JLLR) is ahead of the game and preparing to host the 19th annual Holiday House this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the State House Convention Center. Dubbed as the “shopping event of the season,” it’s an event that must go on the calendar and not be missed.
Need a better reason to dust off your shopping shoes? Holiday House funds over 90 percent of community projects, which makes this holiday shopping extravaganza the primary fundraiser for the Junior League.
Amber Barham, Holiday House chair explained why this annual event is so unique. “You can do all of your shopping at Holiday House. I have had friends make a list, purchase a three-day pass and do all of their gift shopping for the next six months to a year - birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, thank you gifts and [more].”
Over 150 merchants, from 20 states will be selling gift items ranging from the very reasonable to oh-so luxurious. According to Barham, there will be items for pets, children, teachers, men, office mates and everyone in between. There are also great food gifts – dips, soups, marinated olives, fudge, jams and popcorn. “You name it, you can find it at Holiday House, home décor, trendy phrase foam cups, clothes [and more],” said Barham. “We also have Santa Snack Shops to purchase boxed meals, so you can continue shopping without ever leaving.” It seems like the members of Junior League have thought of everything!
The unselfish act of taking care of others motivates the organization to host Holiday House. “All the proceeds go to fund our community projects. So the more money we make, the more backpacks we can buy, kids we can accommodate at Kota Camp and girls we can have in our GROW program,” explained Barham. The JLLR has a variety of projects that promote positive interaction within the community.
Stuff The Bus is a brand new project designed to equip children with new school supplies who otherwise couldn’t afford them.
“Kota Camp is an inclusionary camp for disabled and non-disabled children aged six to sixteen,” said Barham. “Children with disabilities and medical conditions, along with their non-disabled siblings and friends, come together to experience the benefits that camp can offer. In addition, the camps stresses disability awareness to aid campers in developing a better understanding and awareness of those with special needs.”
The third program Barham mentioned, GROW is a project designed to reach adolescent girls at a time when their self-esteem and self-image is most vulnerable. “Since the project began in 2004, GROW has mentored 180 young women.
Through empowering girls in the community, the JLLR will develop a solid core of girls with the ability to be community leaders as they mature,” stated Barham. Additionally, the JLLR is involved with a variety of additional community service projects.
It would be easy to assume that the Holiday House is a women’s only event, but that’s not true. “We have a little bit for everyone this year,” said Barham.
There is a Preview Party on Nov. 11 (this Wed.) called ‘Silent Night, Not Tonight’ from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets to the event are $35 and provides “a great time to preview all the merchants have to offer before the general public.” The ticket price includes food, drinks, shopping specials, entertainment by CRISIS! and an auction. Barham said the Preview Party would be perfect for a group of girlfriends or a date night.
The exclusive fun continues on Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to noon during ‘Private Shopping, A Very Merry Morning.’ Tickets to the morning event are $25. A heavy brunch along with coffee will be served as you shop, uninterrupted by the general public. The Merry Morning is “perfect for an office group, church group, sorority or mother/daughter [outing].”
That evening from 6 to 9 p.m., ‘Stocking and Stilettos’ takes over and clearly this evening is dedicated to the ladies. For $25 per person, grab a girlfriend or three and enjoy two drinks, a Mexican taco bar, auction, a chance at a Wine Pull and of course, shopping.
Saturday is the big day! From 9 a.m. to noon, bring the family by for cookies and milk with Mrs. Claus. Stories, games and tons of picture opportunities will be available. Tickets are $5 at the door and include a yummy cookie and milk,
After snacking with Mrs. Claus, visit Santa from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Joel’s Photography will be there taking pictures. During that same time frame, stop by the gingerbread house competition. According to Barham, eight of the state’s top pasty chefs will be battling for first place during this third annual competition.
“You can vote on your favorite house by purchasing raffle tickets for $1 each. Then at 2 p.m. each house will be [given to] the winner of each raffle. This is a perfect morning for the family!” Barham said.
General admission tickets can be purchased at the door and are $7 for a one day shopping pass and $15 for a three-day shopping pass. General shopping is Thurs. Nov 12, noon to 9 p.m., Fri. Nov. 13, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sat. Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“It can take all three days to make all your purchases,” Barham cautioned. “There is something for everyone, so come help us kick of the holidays at the shopping event of the season!”
Visit www.jllr.org and click on the Holiday House link for additional information.
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