Junior League of Northern Virginia Brings Enchanted, Family-Friendly Holiday Event to Reston

Oct. 20, 2008 - PRLog -- The Junior League of Northern Virginia (JLNV), a women’s volunteer organization that empowers women to be a driving force to improve the Northern Virginia community, is hosting its largest annual fundraiser, the eighth annual The Enchanted Forest, Nov. 22-23, 2008, in its new location at the Sheraton Reston in Reston, Va. Bigger and better for 2008, The Enchanted Forest features a wide variety of affordable holiday festivities for the entire family, including entertainment and crafts for children, gifts and holiday decorations for purchase, an afternoon tea, a silent auction and an evening gala celebration. This year’s event features the debut of the Children’s Science Center, the JLNV’s signature project, scheduled to open in Reston in fall 2009. The Children’s Science Center will offer a preview of its vision and a hands-on activity, included with event admission.

Visitors will walk into a winter wonderland of theme-decorated trees and handmade gingerbread homes, all of which are part of a silent auction that continues through the duration of the event. Throughout the weekend, children are treated to special events and activities, including photos with Santa and the Snow Fairy Princess (Miss Fairfax 2008), face painting, magic shows, crafts and games, and the hand-on science activity from the Children’s Science Center. Local artisans and vendors will entice attendees wanting to get an early start on holiday shopping. The Enchanted Holiday Tea on Saturday, Nov. 22, will feature a traditional offering of delicate sandwiches and pastries as well as a wide selection of teas and coffee as guest enjoy the musings of Mary Foley, author of “Bodacious! Woman: Outrageously in Charge of Your Live and Lovin' It!.” Also held Saturday, Nov. 22, the All that Glitters Enchanted Evening Gala will provide an opportunity for adults to ring in the holiday season with cocktails, a gourmet dinner and dancing.

“The Enchanted Forest is a holiday tradition that offers something for everyone, and the Children’s Science Center's participation adds to the excitement,” said Tamara Ashford, JLNV president. “Families and individuals looking for an affordable holiday event will delight in all that we have to offer while supporting our mission and our programs that prepare local children for success.”

   
“As Albert Einstein said, ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge,’ and the foundation of the Children’s Science Center is the belief that a young child’s imagination can spark a lifelong love of science, if given the right tools and nurturing,” said Ann Myers, executive director of the Children’s Science Center. We look forward to participating in The Enchanted Forest to demonstrate how through hands-on learning and experiences, The Children’s Science Center will make science cool and engaging for children of all ages.”

The JLNV’s community projects for 2008-09 include working to build the Children's Science Center, coordinating Back-to-School Health Fairs for uninsured children in Alexandria, Herndon and Loudoun County, implementing the JLNV-created My Life self-esteem photography and Kids Can character development programs for children living in area shelters, and continuing its participation in the national Kids in the Kitchen program addressing the urgent issues surrounding childhood obesity and poor nutrition.

The Enchanted Forest Event  Schedule and Pricing
The Enchanted Forest General Admission
Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
General admission: $7
Children (age 2-12): $12
Tickets sold at the door or purchase before the event and receive $1 off

Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008
Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008
10-11 a.m., $25 per person
Includes general admission to The Enchanted Forest

Cocoa and Cupcakes with the Snow Fairy Princess
Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008
Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008
1-2 p.m., $20.00 per person
Includes general admission to The Enchanted Forest

Enchanted Holiday Tea – featuring author Mary Foley
Saturday, Nov. 22. , 2008
2-4 p.m., $50 per person
Includes general admission to The Enchanted Forest

All That Glitters Enchanted Evening Gala
Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008
Dinner, 6:30-11:30 p.m., $120 per person
Cocktails and dessert only, 8–11:30 p.m., $50 per person

For more details and reservations for these special events, call 703-848-2884 or visit www.jlnv.org/theenchantedforest.

# # #

The Junior League of Northern Virginia is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.