Holiday House – presented by Junior League of Little Rock
Photography by Lily Darragh | Hair by Chaz Gogel with Face Your Day Salon | Makeup by Aaron Perkins with Face Your Day Salon
Celebrating a quarter of a century of success, Holiday House heralds the holiday season and offers the best selection of unique gifts. A signature event of Junior League of Little Rock, Holiday House welcomes thousands of shoppers and patrons to the Statehouse Convention Center again this year for the shopping event of the season. This shopping extravaganza boasts more than 170 merchants from across the country and generates more than $400,000 annually to support the organization’s mission fulfillment work – improving the lives of women and children in Central Arkansas. The revenue supports JLLR community projects, with a emphasis on school preparedness and wellness.
An organization of 1,200+ women, more than 50 committee members devote a year of service to Holiday House. From logistics, to marketing and merchant selection – the committee keeps a finite focus on every detail of the special events as well as the shopping experience of guests.
We caught up with Holiday House Chair Becca Effrin, Holiday House Merchant Chair Jessica Mitchell and Holiday House Decorations Chair Kristen Bextermueller, to get the inside scoop on Holiday House and anticipated highlights.
Why Junior League of Little Rock?
Becca: “My parents recognized the importance of community service – to appreciate where you live and make it stronger. I wanted to ‘get involved’ and discovered that Junior League of Little Rock was the perfect stepping stone.”
Jessica: “My sister-in-law Ashley O’Brien East recruited me to Junior League of Little Rock. She told me about the community projects of Junior League of Little Rock and ways to really make a difference.”
Kristen: “A friend and colleague initially introduced me to Junior League of Little Rock. I found the stories of her experiences with the ladies of Junior League of Little Rock, their service projects and impact on the community truly remarkable. I didn’t need any additional convincing – I signed up the next year!”
Holiday House Favorites
Becca: shopping + community
“The shopping, of course, with more than 170 merchants – I knock out my Christmas shopping with one-of-kind gifts for everyone on my list.”
“When you buy a Holiday House ticket, you aren’t just purchasing admission to the shopping event of the season – you are providing a backpack full of school supplies to a child, you are sending another child to summer camp or providing books to a classroom. How much better can it get?”
Jessica: holiday cheer + camaraderie
“I have thoroughly enjoyed building lasting relationships with not only my merchant committee, but the entire Holiday House committee as we work together to make the show happen.”
Kristen: fundraising + a signature event
“Being a banker, I was naturally drawn to the largest fundraiser. It is rewarding to see the direct and significant financial contribution Holiday House provides to Junior League of Little Rock’s community projects. I am inspired and empowered each year as I watch such a tremendous undertaking come together.”
“Holiday House has become synonymous with the holiday season. It provides a platform to spotlight our mission to the community. I’m proud to serve on the committee that recognizes the importance of this role.
