In honor of this years Oscar nominees and presenters, GBK, a fundraising and special events company, hosted their annual celebrity gift lounge at the luxurious W Hotel in Hollywood. The mission behind the event is not only to educate the press and celebrities on the various foundations present but also to enjoy the lavish gifts, hor d’oerves and diverse services provided. Everyone gets to walk away with a plump gift bag or swag bag, as some of us like to call it. Including me! Yes, consider me a celebrity for a day.
Among the foundations present were the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation which is dedicated to the raising of funds for research and awareness towards a cure for juvenile diabetes, The HollyRod Foundation, Drawing for Hope and many more with great causes.
As you walked into one of the many celebrity suites, you left with a wealth of knowledge, goodie bag and moved to take action. Over 70 celebrity guests were in attendance such as AnnaLynne McCord (90210), Teri Polo (ABC’s Man Up), Rick Otto (Red Tails) and Holly Robinson Peete among others. The causes ranged from helping sexual assault survivors through art, to combatting human trafficking, and to providing a safe haven for those who have autism and Parkinson’s disease. The goodie bag was filled with high end skin and hair products, protein bars, travel and spa certificates, fragrances, candles and my personal favorite -- jewelry.
Alongside the red carpet, there stood Apple Revolution; custom candy apples that serve as party favors and yes, they’re edible! The apples appear very well crafted with designs like Justin Beiber’s face for those with Beiberfever or your fave team logo for the sports fanatic in you AND they look yummy. I will bite into mine a little later, can’t wait!
Apple Revolution created GBK’s invite (pic should come in another email). They are one busy organization. Ana Gonzalez, founded the company three years ago, which is based out of Orange County. She says it has gotten off to a great start. Although she does many wedding events, her next project is with the George Lopez Foundation. Check out her website for the fun and mouth watering designs, apple-revolution.com.
One of my favorite gifts and jewelry tables at this event was a gold beaded necklace from the Mayalei line of Chickboss, because the story behind the necklace is that much more beautiful.
Chickboss is an awesome organization dedicated to bridging the economic gap between young Guatemalans and their unskilled and illiterate parents. What they do is take non-working mothers and sometimes fathers and develop their skills in crafting all while evolving them into artisans. Their jewelry is exquisitely beautiful and has a soft touch to it (I’ll say it’s the loving and motherly touch) that leads one to believe that there’s more than just fine silver and copper being used in its creation.
Pat Pannell founded Chickboss when she noticed the disparity between the youth and their parents through a family she sponsored in Guatemala. She was moved to take action. The general manager of the organization, Carmencita Luna, shares, “It doesn’t feel like work because you’re helping people change for the better. For themselves, and the world, not only my country.” If you’re interested in helping bridge that gap and accessorizing a dress beautifully, please check out their website, chickboss.com. I was able to wear mine the next day to an Oscar after party, it was just what the dress needed. How do I look? (insert pic here I suppose).
GBK’s event was a huge success and what better time to do it than when the Oscars are in town. During Oscar weekend they were able to raise an additional $70,000 for a variety of charities. GBK gives 20% of their profits to the charities on site. Swag bag in one hand and a complimentary Blue Hawaiian drink in the other, I am happy but I’m also hopeful that the giving goes beyond this weekend. Here’s to the 2012 Academy Awards.
-Jennifer Fernandez
En La Escena
Visit: http://enlaescena.com
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