Press Release 2019

Press Release 2019

ICONIC MESA ESTATE WILL BE SITE OF 62nd ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IDEA HOUSE

Holiday Charity Event to Aid Valley Students and Families

Set back in a gated citrus enclave on over 4 acres, an iconic Mesa estate was chosen to be the
location for the 2019 Christmas Idea House. The stunning home will be transformed into a Christmas
wonderland where visitors will discover thousands of unique holiday gifts and décor artfully displayed
and for sale. All proceeds from this event benefit local charities and provide need-based scholarships
to deserving young students.

A LASTING IMPRESSION

The theme for this year’s Christmas Idea House is “A Lasting Impression,” reflecting on the annual
tradition this holiday event has become for thousands in the East Valley, and the tremendous
difference it has brought to the lives of many deserving students and families.

The Christmas Idea House, which lures thousands of visitors each year, is the primary fundraiser for
Desert Club, an all-volunteer women’s organization. The event is held at a different luxury home
each year in locations throughout the East Valley. The homeowners move out temporarily, and
Desert Club members decorate the home from top to bottom with holiday décor, unique gifts, and
gourmet goodies. One hundred percent of the proceeds are given back to the community through
need-based student scholarships and grants to local charities. To date, Desert Club has raised close
to $2.8 million.

Candy Zeper, co-chair for the 2019 Christmas Idea House, has been a Desert Club member for 37
years. Her mother was a member of the women’s club for over 50 years. “I grew up watching the
ladies of Desert Club turn a home into a magical Christmas House, and have seen daughters,
mothers, and grandmothers make this a yearly tradition by attending brunch together.” Over the
years, she has heard visitors comment on how impressed they were with the event. “Each year I am
amazed at what the women of Desert Club create in these beautiful homes that have been
graciously ‘loaned’ to us. To me, the Christmas Idea House event truly signals the beginning of the
Christmas season.”

THE DETAILS

The Christmas Idea House is a three-day event that begins on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. with
the “Preview Gala,” which includes a gourmet dinner followed by an exclusive home tour and
shopping (reservations required; tickets are $85 per person). Friday, Dec. 6, guests may attend
one of two seating times for the “Sneak Preview Brunch” (9 a.m. or noon) where guests enjoy a
lavish brunch, followed by the home tour and early-bird shopping (tickets are $60). For more
information and to purchase tickets, visit www.christmasideahouse.org.

The home is open for Public Tours and shopping on Friday, Dec. 6 from 4 -8:00 p.m., and on
Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the
door or online.

The event is located at 3818 East Brown Road, Mesa; please follow signs for parking.

HOLIDAY MAGIC BEYOND THE GATES OF A MESA LANDMARK

The 2019 Desert Club’s Christmas Idea House will showcase a spectacular Mediterranean estate built by
Billy Johnson, master builder of Amberwood Homes and private entrepreneur.
“Desert Club members have always had a special place in my heart, and I was honored to accept their
invitation to hold the Christmas Idea House at my home this year,” said Johnson. “Anytime the Desert
Club has asked for my support over the years, I have always been delighted to give it and encourage
others to as well. “

Anticipation grows as one enters this captivating, 10,000+ square foot home, situated in the historic
citrus corridor. Built in 1998, the property captures Johnson’s passion for homebuilding and is reflected
throughout every corner of this sprawling estate. The hand-forged iron doors lead into a traditionally
elegant interior design. The home features rich wood inlayed walls, a combination stone and wood
floors, beamed ceilings, unequaled faux finishes, five unique fireplaces and Venetian plaster details.
Extensive under-roof exterior spaces enhance the privacy of the azure swimming pool with running
fountains, surrounded by hand-laid flagstone,, palm trees, and guest casita. Also located on the estate
grounds are dog kennels, four horse stalls, a riding arena for his Spotted Tennessee Walkers, and a
private underground target shooting range

Press Release 2018

CUSTOM HOME SITE OF THE 61st ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IDEA HOUSE

Holiday Charity Event to Assists Local Students and Families

Desert Club’s 2018 Christmas Idea House will be showcased in Gilbert, Arizona, near Lindsay and Pecos Roads. The 6,000 square foot, custom home is situated on one acre of beautifully landscaped property.   The stunning estate will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland, open for the public to tour and purchase thousands of unique holiday gifts and décor artfully displayed. All proceeds from this event will provide need-based scholarships to deserving young students and benefit local charities.

MODERN DAY ELVES AND OVER 60 YEARS OF TRADITION

The Christmas Idea House has become a holiday tradition and lures thousands of visitors each year. It is the primary fundraiser for Desert Club, a 72 year old, all-volunteer women’s service organization. The event is held at a different luxury home each year in locations throughout the East Valley. Desert Club members decorate the home from top to bottom with holiday décor, unique and handcrafted gifts and gourmet goodies, all for sale and ranging in price from $12 to several hundred dollars each. One hundred percent of the proceeds are given back to the community in the form of scholarships to in-state college students and grants to local charities. To date, Desert Club has awarded almost $2.7 million.

THE DETAILS

Be the first to tour and shop at this year’s Christmas Idea House before it is open to the public! Join us Thursday, Nov. 29th for the 2018 Holiday Soiree and Preview Party, a festive evening filled with music, cocktails and a wide array of gourmet hot hors d’oeuvres. Doors open at 5:30 pm with the Idea House remaining open for viewing, shopping and socializing until 9:00 pm.

Kick off your 2018 holiday season with our Holiday Soiree Brunch or Lunch on Friday, Nov. 30! Enjoy a festive beverage of your choosing, along with delicious quiche, gourmet croissant pastries, and a variety of salads. Join us and share this joyful event with your friends or family. Socialize and shop as you tour this year’s home before it is open to the public!

The home will be open for Public Tours and shopping on Friday, Nov. 30 from 4 – 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 each and can be purchased at the door, from a Desert Club member or at www.christmasideahouse.org. Guests may receive a $2 discount by bringing at least one canned food item, which will be donated to a local food bank.

 Download:  PARKING MAP