Aug. 16, 2007

Festivities at the Michigan Historical Museum to Include Auction of Uniquely Decorated Holiday Trees

The Michigan Historical Center Foundation today announced its plans for the 2007 Jingle Ball, to take place at the Michigan Historical Museum on Saturday, Nov. 17.  This annual gala to kick off the holiday season - held the night after Lansing's Silver Bells in the City - raises funds to help more than 80,000 students each year learn and explore Michigan's history. 

Jane Aldrich of WLNS (Channel 6) and Kip Bohne of WSYM (Channel 47) will co-host the festivities, which will include live music and dancing, holiday carolers, an array of food and beverages, a silent auction and the presentation of the Odyssey 2007 awards honoring exceptional Michigan history teachers.   New this year, Jingle Ball guests also will have the opportunity to bid on a selection of uniquely decorated holiday trees, sponsored by local businesses and organizations.

The Jingle Ball, part of the Michigan History Education Fund, a special endeavor that supports the award-winning education programs of the Michigan Historical Museum.  The cost to attend is $100 per person.

"Join us at the Jingle Ball - a truly memorable evening of elegant holiday fun in a one-of-a-kind setting - and you'll be helping kids make a real connection to Michigan's past, helping them find pride and inspiration in our shared heritage," said Pat Clark, director for the Michigan Historical Center Foundation.  "You'll also get the opportunity to have a beautifully decorated tree delivered to your home and find some early holiday shopping deals on our great silent auction items."

The silent auction will include items such as vacation packages, sporting event and theater tickets, golf and restaurant gift certificates, jewelry and much more.

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

The Jingle Ball 2007 steering committee members include Jane Aldrich, Terrie Allen, Martha Bloomfield, Pat Clark, Chris Dancisak, Marnie Elden, Diana Engle, Linda Grigg, Cindy Krueger, Kent Love, Sylvia McCollough, Deb Muchmore, Mary Patrick, Carol Payne, Colleen Reid, Arlene Sierra, Dave Surbrook, Jim Wardlaw, Casey Warner and Loretta Zumbaugh.

Michigan History education programs are made possible, in part, by the support of generous sponsors such as Accident Fund Company, Art Craft Display, Auto Body Credit Union, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Board of Water & Light, Chemical Bank, Clark Farms, Classic Wines, d/s Events, William and Nancy Danhof, DeRoy Testamentary Foundation, Gabriels Community Credit Union, General Motors Corporation, Ideation, Inc., W.J. & Lillian Kemler Foundation, Lansing State Journal, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Retailers Association, David Morris, Muchmore, Harrington, Smalley & Associates, National City Bank, NuUnion Credit Union, Edgar and Mary Ploor, Red Cedar Grill, John J.H. Schwarz, M.D., and Tim and Bobbette Walling.

Steering committee members are also seeking individuals, businesses and corporations interested in becoming sponsors or donating goods, services or gift certificates to the silent auction at the 2007 Jingle Ball.  To learn about the benefits of sponsorship, visit www.michigan.gov/jingleball.

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.

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