Magic was in the air at the Magic Castle, where Melanie Segal’s Platinum Publicity hosted the fun, star-studded Celebrity Lounge recognizing the 22nd Annual Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. No slime here – just adventure, games and charity that ruled the day. The only celebrity gifting lounge for the energetic kids’ awards show, Platinum Publicity showed Hollywood a good time while working with Stouffers to provide food for Los Angeles’ needy and raise money for Feeding America and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
Say the Magic Word
Platinum Publicity cast a spell of its own when it arranged for the Celebrity Lounge to be held at the world famous Magic Castle, a private clubhouse in the Hollywood Hills usually reserved for a select few. Originally built in 1909, the Magic Castle’s artifact-filled themed and maze-like interior provided the perfect setting for the unique gift suite. The enchantment was evident from the beginning, where guests had to whisper a secret password to cause a bookcase to open, allowing entry into the gift lounge area.
Fun for Guests and Food for the Needy
A-List guest and VIPs were treated to many surprises and activities, from decorating their own plates and workin’ it with Dance Dance Revolution, to artsy fun such as caricatures and airbrush tattoos. Grammy Award winning pianist/composer Charles Segal entertained guests while Mani Pedi Cutie worked magic on both little and big nails.
Stouffers went over and above by donating 1,000 meals to Los Angeles’ needy in honor of each celebrity that attended the lounge. Stouffer’s intentions are to “Feed LA for the Day” and provide funds to serve up approximately 70,000 meals. Feeding America and the LA Food Bank were on-hand at the event as beneficiaries of the bewitching gift lounge, and additional funds were raised through the auctioning of a celebrity-signed arcade game from Dream Arcades. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank (www.LaFoodbank.org) is a nonprofit charitable organization that has served the disadvantaged since 1973. They partnered with Feeding America, the nation’s largest non-governmental, domestic hunger relief organization, to provide food to those in need.
The Gifts Sparkled Plenty
This unique suite was made possible by the vendors that gifted celebrities and created a marvelous day for all guests. Some of the vendors who supported the suite included those below.
Stouffers (www.stouffers.com). Not only did Stouffers have their own room where guests could decorate their own plates, but they also arranged for feed LA’s needy. Stouffers is one of the best-known brands in the U.S., having started life as a mere coffee shop in 1922. Becoming synonymous with tasty and easy frozen meals over the years, Stouffer’s mission is to bring families together over the dinner table by allowing them to spend less time cooking and more time with each other.
Polaroid (www.Polaroid.com). Creating lasting memories all around the world, Polaroid focuses on fun, easy-to-use, and family-friendly products that capture life’s moments. Best known for their instant photography cameras, where people would huddle around to watch their picture develop, Polaroid has expanded its line to digital cameras, underwater cameras, digital photo frames, camcorders and LCD TVs.
Stride Rite (www.StrideRite.com). Stride Rite is the leader in quality children’s shoes and sandals. Their expertise is little feet, shoe comfort and foot growth. Stride Rite uses the latest technology and the finest materials to ensure that their shoes fit right, and are engineered specifically for growing feet. Each pair of shoes is subjected to over 100 tests, so you can be assured of getting the proper footwear for your little one.
Crumbs Bake Shop (www.Crumbs.com). Providing deliciously simple treats, Crumbs Bake Shop believes in appreciating the little tasty things in life. Cupcakes are their staple, and they offer a whopping 50 kinds of these happiness-inducing treats. Using only the freshest ingredients, Crumbs also bakes delectable cookies, brownies, muffins, cakes and scones.
Guilty Pleasures (www.KheperGames.com). If you are willing to admit how much you know about pop culture, Guilty Pleasures is the game for you. With categories including Books & Tabloids, Movies, Reality TV, and TV Sitcoms & Dramas, you can strut your knowledge of allthings fluff – and fun. Guilty Pleasures can also be found at www.urbanoutfitters.com
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PAC Perfect Acne Control (www.PACperfectskin.com). Combat acne with this complete skincare system that is effective yet gentle on the skin. PAC’s three-step system calms skin while preventing breakouts, improves health and radiance, and is clinically proven to reduce acne.
PNY Technologies Inc. (www.pny.com). Solutions for every technological need, PNY products are found in most homes and offices. From flash cards, USB flash drives, motherboards, graphic cards, and memory upgrades, PNY leads the technological pack, with quality products sold in over 50 countries.
Mani Pedi Cutie (www.manipedicutie.com). An upscale natural nail salon for women, men and children, Mani Pedi Cutie is a cool, eco-friendly place to pamper yourself. They use only non-toxic beauty supplies and offer manicure/pedicure and waving services for adults, as well as specialized treatments for pregnant women, toddlers and teens.
Dance Dance Revolution. Dance Dance Revolution is the interactive game that tempts its users off the couch and onto the dance floor with its high-energy music for a healthy, energetic and fun fitness workout. In this premiere dancing game, and all of its differing versions, you are challenged to match you dance steps with the flashing arrows on the screen and keeping up with the beat while exhibiting your very own flare. www.ddrgame.com
Nettiescrub (www. nettiescrub.com). Quality, natural ingredients are the cornerstone of Nettiescrub products. With ingredients such as rich shea butter, natural plant extracts and powerful antioxidants, Nettiscrub differentiates itself from the pack with a forward-thinking distinctive design of finely-tuned skin care products. Nettiescrub formulas are only sold in sustainable and reusable packaging.
Flip Video (www.flipvideo.com). People have flipped for Flip Video. Billed as the fastest, smallest and thinnest camcorders on the market, the simple little devices have captured the hearts of the public. These cell phone-sized cameras are easy-to-use, inexpensive and best of all, techno-dummy-proof.
Blockbuster (www.blockbuster.com). No longer just video rentals in your neighborhood store, Blockbuster has expanded to offer downloadable rentals, service to your mail box, as well as video game rentals.
Richard Solo Electronics (www.RichardSolo.com). Everything you need to make your life easier – in one click. iPhone/iPod/Blackberry accessories, baby monitors, watches, pogo jumpers, radios, and grooming items are all available from this service-oriented gadget retailer.
Wrigley’s 5 Gum (www.5Gum.com). A hip-looking sugar-free gum, “5” probably is the coolest package that gum comes in. Long-lasting flavors include are Rain, Cobalt and Flare.
Crayola (www.Crayola.com). There is no need for an introduction with Crayola – they have been providing color for over 100 years. Kids have held a Crayola product in their hands for generations, and the company still adheres to its original creed: color is king. Focusing on creativity, learning and fun, Crayola now spans the world and leads the way for kids to develop artistically with an amazing array of new and innovative products.
Charles Segal (www.CharlesSegal.com). Charles Segal provided musical entertainment at the magical suite. Charles is an award-winning, world-renowned pianist and composer who has composed more than 2,000 songs and performed on over 200 albums. The classically-trained Segal blends feelings with musical notes to create soul-stirring melodies. His talents include musical varieties from romantic melodies and upbeat jazz to children’s music.
GameDoc (www.GameDoc.com). Pinball, video games, pool tables, and parts. An official distributor of Rockola, NSM, and Wurlitzer Jukeboxes, The Game Doc offers sales, service and rentals.
Lipsmackers (www.lipsmackers.com). Colorful, good-smelling and fun, Bonne Bell Lipsmackers are available in tasty well-recognized variations such as Skittles, Dr. Pepper, Starburst, and even M&Ms.
Classic Photo Booth (www.classicphotobooth.net). Move the fun of the photo booth to your event with a photo booth rental. Vintage and branded photo booths are perfect for parties, weddings, and meetings. This one was branded for Platinum Publicity, their charity sponsor Stouffer’s and of course green slime in honor of the Kid’s Choice Awards.
Barts Carts (www.bartscarts.com). Delicious popcorn, tasty snow cones, cool ice cream and frothy lemonade have to come from somewhere: Barts Carts. They have been providing carnival supplies rental, carnival food, concessions and catering in Los Angeles and all California since 1990.
Capelta Boots by Monique is classic glamour and vintage looks at its finest. Capelta’s unique approach to footwear highlights bold, original and sexy designs. The handcrafted Brazilian boots blend eco-friendly materials with vintage flair, creating recycled appeal with an exotic touch. Detached decorative emblems, interesting textures, and a variety of fabrics are blended to create their sought-after footwear designs.
Scholastic Books (www.scholastic.com). Scholastic has been recognized by parents and teachers for over 85 years. They create quality children’s educational materials for both school and home including books, magazines, television programming, technology-based products, videos and toys.
Photography by Jane Emery
Winners from the 22nd annual Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards are as follows:
Favorite Movie: “High School Musical 3: Senior Year”
Favorite Movie Actor: Will Smith, “Hancock”
Favorite Movie Actress: Vanessa Hudgens, “High School Musical 3: Senior Year”
Favorite Animated Movie: “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa”
Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie: Jack Black, “Kung Fu Panda”
Favorite Song: Beyonce, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)”
Favorite Male Singer: Jesse McCartney
Favorite Female Singer: Miley Cyrus
Favorite Music Group: Jonas Brothers
Favorite TV Show: “iCarly”
Favorite Reality Show: “American Idol”
Favorite TV Actress: Selena Gomez, “Wizards of Waverly”
Favorite TV Actor: Cole Sprouse, “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody”
Favorite Cartoon: “SpongeBob SquarePants”
Favorite Male Athlete: Peyton Manning
Favorite Female Athlete: Candace Parker.
Favorite Video Game: “Guitar Hero World Tour”