Nov. 3, 2009

The Michigan History Foundation is now accepting reservations for the 2009 Jingle Ball, taking place at the Michigan Historical Museum on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 7 to 11 p.m. Hosted by Jason Colthorp of WILX-TV, this annual holiday kickoff gala supports award-winning Michigan history education programs that help more than 80,000 Michigan students each year explore our state's one-of-a-kind heritage.

"The Jingle Ball offers an unforgettable night of fun with lasting benefits - helping kids become part of Michigan's story and inspiring them to build a better tomorrow by learning about our shared past," said Pat Clark, director of the Michigan History Foundation. "We encourage people to get dressed up in their holiday finest, take a stroll down our red carpet and ring in the season with style in a setting that's 'pure Michigan'."

Jingle Ball guests will enjoy:

• musical entertainment by the Mike Skory Band and the Earl Nelson Singers;
• an array of tasty hors d'oeuvres and beverages;
• a fabulous silent auction for early holiday shopping deals;
• a classic holiday photo;
• quirky caricatures courtesy of Paul McNielly and Dennis Preston;
• a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus;
• the presentation of the 2009 Odyssey Awards, honoring exceptional Michigan history educators; and
• a unique parting gift.

For more details or to make reservations for the Jingle Ball, visit www.jingleball.net or call (517) 373-2565. The cost is $100 per person, and reservations can be made online or by phone.

Michigan History Education programs are made possible, in part, by the support of generous sponsors including Arcadia Brewing Company; Art Craft Display; Auto Body Credit Union; Linda and John Axe; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan; Roger Boettcher; Chateau Grand Traverse Winery; Pat and Pete Clark; Clark Hill, PLC; Comfort Inn and Suites at Capital Centre; Dark Horse Brewing Company; Dart Bank; DeRoy Testamentary Foundation; Dickinson Wright, PLLC; Dragonmead Microbrewery; Event Depot; Fairchild, Lebel and Rice, P.C.; Foresight Group; Mark Gaffney and Trish Stein; Charley and LeaAnne Janssen; Lansing Area Federal Credit Union; Lansing State Journal/Gannett Foundation; Loomis, Ewert, Parsley, Davis and Gotting, P.C.; Michigan Brewing Company; Michigan State University Federal Credit Union; Deborah and Dennis Muchmore; Muchmore Harrington Smalley and Associates; National City Bank; NuUnion Credit Union; Old Country Caterers; Mr. Edgar Ploor and Dr. Mary L. Ploor; Happy and Bill Rands; Red Cedar Grill; John J. H. Schwarz, M.D.; Natalie and Ed Surovell; Thomas M. Cooley Law School; WJ and Lillian Kemler Foundation; and WLNS-TV.

The Jingle Ball is presented by the Michigan History Foundation (www.michigan.gov/mhfoundation), 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, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve, and the Archives of Michigan.

The Michigan Historical Center is part of the part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.