Aug. 10, 2006

The Michigan Historical Center Foundation today announced its plans for the 2006 Jingle Ball, a Journey Through Holidays Past.  This gala to ring in the holiday season – held the night after Lansing's Silver Bells in the City – will take place at the Michigan Historical Museum on Saturday, Nov. 18.

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and First Gentleman Daniel G. Mulhern will serve as honorary co-chairs for the Jingle Ball.  Jane Aldrich of WLNS (Channel 6) and Kip Bohne of WSYM (Channel 47) will co-host the gala.

The Jingle Ball is part of Odyssey, a special endeavor that supports the award-winning education programs of the Michigan Historical Museum.  Funds raised will be used to expand these programs that help more than 70,000 Michigan students each year explore their state's history.

"The Jingle Ball is not only an unforgettable, elegant evening of holiday fun, it's an opportunity to champion the teaching of Michigan history," said Pat Clark, director for the Michigan Historical Center Foundation.  "You don't want to miss out on this unique celebration at one of the most magnificent places in town, all decked out in holiday sparkle."

Clark said guests can find some early holiday shopping deals on great silent auction items such as hotel packages, sporting event and theater tickets, golf and restaurant gift certificates, jewelry and much more.  The evening will also include ice sculpting, a display of floats from the Silver Bells in the City parade, a variety of live music and dancing, an array of sumptuous food and beverages, and the presentation of the Odyssey 2006 awards in honor of exceptional Michigan history teachers – all for $100 per person.

For more details or to make reservations for the Jingle Ball, visit www.michigan.gov/odyssey or call (517) 373-2565.

Odyssey 2006 steering committee members include Jane Aldrich, Terrie Allen, Steve Benkovsky, Evonne Cassar, Pat Clark, Sandra Clark, Martha Climo, Nancy Coleman, Chris Dancisak, Nancy Danhof, Marnie Elden, Diana Engle, Linda Grigg, Debbie Knooihuisen, Cindy Krueger, Kent Love, Scott Miller, Deb Muchmore, Mary Patrick, Carol Payne, Mary Ploor, Michelle Reurink, Barb Rinckey, John Rosendahl, Jim Schultz, Arlene Sierra, Dave Surbrook, Tom Truscott, Jim Wardlaw and Casey Warner.

Odyssey education programs are made possible, in part, by the support of generous sponsors such as Art Craft Display, Auto Body Credit Union, Bradford Printing, Inc., Clark Properties, d/s Events, General Motors - Lansing Division, Lansing Board of Water and Light, Majority, Mid-Michigan MRI, Inc., NuUnion Credit Union, the Esther and Seymour Padnos Foundation, and Tim and Bobbette Walling.

Steering committee members are also seeking individuals, businesses and corporations interested in becoming Odyssey event sponsors or donating goods, services or gift certificates to the silent auction at the 2006 Jingle Ball.  To learn about the benefits of sponsorship, visit www.michigan.gov/odyssey.

The Michigan Historical Center Foundation is a private, not-for-profit organization that supports the work of the Michigan Historical Center.  The center includes the Michigan Historical Museum, 10 regional museums, the State Archives of Michigan, Records Management Services, archaeological and historic preservation programs, and publications, including Michigan History magazine.

The Michigan Historical Center is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL), whose mission is to enrich quality of life and strengthen the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan heritage, and fostering cultural creativity.  The department also includes the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Library of Michigan, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. For more information about HAL, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).