LAFAYETTE, CA - Oct. 4, 2006 - Have you ever wanted to sneak a peek inside someone else's home? Chances are, if you went ahead and did this, you would be arrested! Well, this year the Junior League of Oakland-East Bay, Inc. (JLOEB) is giving people the opportunity to catch more than a glimpse into some of the East Bay's most distinctive and architecturally-interesting homes. And, it's not only legal, but it's for charity! The JLOEB proudly announces the Artful Living Home Tour. In partnership with Diablo Magazine, the Junior League will offer a special tour of five architecturally-distinctive and meticulously-crafted residences in Orinda, California. The tour is both unique and educational - focusing on an integral perspective of architectural style, landscape design, interior design and furnishings - and is sure to spark diverse discussions as well as help inspire tour participants to build or remodel their own dream homes.

The Artful Living Home Tour begins Friday, November 3rd and continues through Saturday, November 4th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Tickets for the tour are $35 per person in advance and $40 on the days of the event. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.jloeb.org , by contacting the League office at 925.284.3740, or by visiting locations including Orchard Nusery of Lafayette (4010 Mount Diablo Blvd., Lafayette), and The Hen House (20 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette). Tour check-in and complimentary bus departures (every 30 minutes) will take place at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church (433 Moraga Way, Orinda), with parking for the tour at both Holy Shepherd and St. Mark's Methodist Church, located on the same side of the street and next door to Holy Shepherd (451 Moraga Way, Orinda).

"Through the generosity of the homeowners who have opened these inspired homes, the League invites you to enjoy and explore Orinda," said Diane Stevenson, JLOEB President. "The Artful Living Home Tour opens the door to five Orinda residences with unique designs, creative interior decorating, spectacular scenic views, unusual collections of art and antiques, and finely-manicured landscaping. At the same time, this annual fundraiser offers each of you an opportunity to support the League's continued efforts on behalf of children, and help leave a lasting impact on the community. Without a doubt, the highlight of our success is the participation of the local community and the real outcome is that we can continue to improve the conditions and opportunities of vulnerable children."

Home Opener
Prior to unveiling the diverse offering of homes, the League will host the Artful Living Home Tour Kick-off Party on Thursday, November 2nd from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. NBC11 weekend anchor, award-winning Broadcast journalist and East Bay resident, Diane Dwyer, will open the event, which raises funds in support of the charitable endeavors of the JLOEB and highlights one of the League's most impressive fundraisers. Tickets for this pre-tour event are $45 per person in advance or $50 at the door, including food and beverages.

Hosted by Orchard Nursery of Lafayette, this event marks the second time the nursery has offered its amazing grounds and facilities to the League. Guests will be dazzled by this spectacular site since for more than 40 years, Orchard's Garden Shop has been transformed into one of the Bay Area's most delightful Christmas extravaganzas. The pre-tour event will feature the innovative and highly-acclaimed cuisine of Rob Lam, Executive Chef/Owner of Butterfly Restaurant in San Francisco, who was named one of 2003's "Rising Star Chefs" by The San Francisco Chronicle. The party also features a local jazz duo, and guests will be treated to top wines donated by two prestigious wineries: Concannon Vineyard and Alpha Omega Winery. While mingling with the homeowners, architects, designers and League members amidst special holiday décor, guests can also indulge on desserts from Checkers Catering and Special Events of Livermore, which has been serving the Tri-Valley region of the San Francisco Bay area for more 16 years and was recognized as one of the top 500 women-owned businesses in the United States by DiversityBusiness.com in 2004.

A Peek at Orinda's Gems
The five homes include: a cozy, yet incredibly functional and high-tech Mediterranean home, which features an outdoor living area, complete with an outdoor shower for its adventure-loving homeowners; a recreation of an Italian country farmhouse named "La Boheme" by the owners filled with exquisite antiques from around the world and recalling memories of Florence, Italy; a hilltop, Spanish Colonial Revival, designed by the owners' daughter, which features an incredible array of 1926-1932 reproduced, hand-painted tiles used in the home's murals, fountains, pool, spa, fireplaces, benches, patio decor and stair risers; a Spanish Monterey home which shows off both the owners' personal designs and hands-on workmanship; and a Regionalism-style home situated on one acre that serves as a backdrop to an eclectic art collection.

While the tour requires some driving, all tour guests are encouraged to ride on the complimentary charter buses which will leave from Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church and will run every 30 minutes. And, rest assured that everyone on the Artful Living Home Tour will have an intimate understanding of why Orinda has often been considered the "gem of the East Bay." By offering a peek into these spectacular homes and a glimpse into Orinda's charming neighborhoods, the League's hope is to inspire guests, help them experience what Orinda has to offer, and at the same time make an impact for the programs the League serves.

Special thank you to our generous sponsors: Del Monte Foods, Diablo Magazine, and Orchard Nursery of Lafayette; and to our in-kind sponsors: Alpha Omega Winery, Benjamin Moore & Co., Checkers Catering, Concannon Vineyard, Diane Dwyer, Florali (Walnut Creek), Longs Drugs, Rob Lam/Butterfly Restaurant, and The Hen House.

Women Building Better Communities
The Junior League of Oakland-East Bay, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. To learn more, support League projects or become a member, please visit our website at www.jloeb.org.

JLOEB Media Contacts:
Dana Young, 415.378.7998, danayoung@yahoo.com