Proving that sometimes you really can bring the party home with you, GBK hosted the official pre-event festivities for the BET awards with a three-day “Givable Gift Lounge” held backstage at the Shrine Auditorium.
Luxury lifestyle gift lounge and special events company GBK donated all of the elements used in creating the gift lounge stage to Lamp Community is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization that permanently ends homelessness, improves health, and builds self-sufficiency among men and women living with severe mental illness. Lamp Community received a $20,000 gift bag to auction and all of theelements used to furnish the gift lounge, including the wood flooring, the light fixtures, the curtains and all the furniture to put in either their shelter or an individual’s home.
Gavin Keilly, CEO, GBK Productions
In attendance were 2009 BET Awards nominees, presenters and performers as well as Casey Horan, Executive Director of Lamp Community and Gavin Keilly, President and CEO of GBK Productions. Winners Keri Hilson, Day 26, Mary Mary and Ne-Yo, Bel Biv Devoe, Toya Johnson-Carter and Tameka “Tiny” Cottle (Tiny & Toya), Ciara, Damion Hall, Ginuwine, Lisa Leslie, Monica, New Edition, The O’Jays, Ray-J, Rick Ross, Soulja Boy, Keith Sweat and Tyrese were among those who visited the lounge.
Keri Hilson, Soulja Boy
Vendors Lead Way in Charitable Support
Los Angeles based Lamp Community also received proceeds from the auction of donated items from participating vendors. With over $20,000 in products and services volunteered from leading Los Angeles companies, support for Lamp Community and the BET awards was represented by a broad range of gifts that included luxury beauty treatments, fashionable attire and the hottest electronic games and devices.
Posh Life
If the phone we carry is an extension of our personality, Posh Life will make sure you stand out in the crowd. Established in 2002 as a service for encrusting cell phone faceplates, Posh Life now upgrades your personal profile by enhancing that most treasured accessory with custom cell phone design. When you’re ready to bring the bling as Keri Hilson did with a phone makeover, Posh Life can get it done in 72 hours or less.
Tori Torres knows how to bring the bling; with her business "Posh Life"
When we say makeover, we’re not talking about smiley face stickers or glitter. Posh Life uses genuine Swarovski Crystal Stones, which means your biggest worry may be whether your phone will outshine your new dress. Creativity rules with Posh Life. In fact, the only limitation to what you design may be your own imagination as Posh Life continually expands their creative palette, including inscribing names, crafting patterns, depicting favorite images and creating tattoo inspired visuals. To pay tribute to the King of Pop, Posh Life created a special edition cell phone faceplate of Michael Jackson, ordered by Monica in Jackson’s honor. Posh Life isn’t limited to phones either as these designs can adorn any number of items, including laptops, hats, and clothes. www.poshlife.net
R & B group Bell, Biv, Devoe
Bullets 4 Peace
With a message that is as powerful as its aesthetics, Bullets 4 Peace takes used bullet casings and turns them into beautiful jewelry pieces that promote peace and compassion. Proceeds from sales help to support charitable organizations through their program “Every Bullet has a Target”. Designer Rafi Anteby’s jewelry pieces are created out of silver and precious stones surrounding real bullets. Like Anteby’s own life, in which he moved from an officer in the Israeli army to fashion designer, his Bullets 4 Peace finds beauty in its paradox and uses it to promote peace. www.bullets4peace.com
Designer Rafi Anteby with his "Bullets For Peace".
Jawbone
Dubbed the personal noise assassin, Jawbone headsets isolate speech from the surrounding noise to make phone conversations as natural and effortless as possible. From crying babies to strong winds, Jawbone headsets work tirelessly to suppress intruding noise through the application of innovative technology and design. Hurricane Chris and Fabolous were seen testing out the perks of their new Jawbone Prime cell phone headsets. (www.jawbone.com)
Everyone loved their ear candy from Jawbone!
Red Octane
Guests at GBK’s BET Givable Gift Lounge received the Guitar Hero® World Tour package, which includes a copy of the recently released Guitar Hero Smash Hits and a limited edition t-shirt, and were treated to a sneak preview of DJ Hero. Releasing to the public on October 27, 2009, DJ Hero allows you to spin and scratch more than 100 songs into unique mixes. Soulja Boy and Bel Biv Devoe got into the groove with this latest video game craze. DJ Hero will be available on the major game platforms, including Nintendo Wii, XBox 360, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3. (www.redoctane.com)
Macadamia Natural Oil
Two of the world’s rarest oils collide in the Macadamia Natural Oil line to promote hair rejuvenation and maintenance. For years, native cultures have realized the revitalizing power of these oils, from the Australian Aborigines and their use of Macadamia nuts for nutritional value to Moroccans referring to Argan Oil as “liquid gold”. When combined in professional haircare products from Macadamia Natural Oil, they mimic the protective oils produced by the scalp to improve hair strength and health while enhancing manageability and shine. Alcohol free, the Macadamia Natural Oil line reduces drying time in half while leaving no oily residue or build-up behind. Members of New Edition enjoyed the numerous benefits of this unique haircare product.(www.macadamiahair.com)
John Fasan, CEO Macadamia Natural Oil products.
Simon G Jewelry
The pristine elegance conveyed in each piece from Simon G Jewelry is a testament to the passion of owner Simon Ghanimian, who immigrated to the United States at the age of 19 with only 200 dollars in his pocket. In 1981, just five years after his arrival, Ghanimian founded the company that continues to be revered for precise and sophisticated design. Simon G jewelry is a coveted accessory by the stars and trusted by so many others to mark those magical events in life, as evident by Simon G’s place as the fourth best selling bridal band. Pave diamond pinky rings by Simon G were a hot item with Damion Hall of Guy while Johnny Gill picked out a beautiful Simon G rose gold withwhite diamond piece for his girlfriend.Winner of six JCK Jewelers Choice Awards in 2008, Simon G is personally endorsed by Kris Jenner while being praised as a stylish and budget conscious choice for jewelry consumers. Read our article on Simon G here… www.simongjewelry.com
Firestarter Vodka
Aptly named, Firestarter Vodka is the ideal catalyst to ignite the excitement at any gathering. Firestarter Vodka is a premium, ultra smooth red wheat vodka that is triple distilled and flavored. Even vodka amateurs will appreciate the uniquely silky finish achieved by adding a touch of honey during the final distillation stage. Firestarter Vodka is further emblazoned by its fire extinguisher-like packaging, complete with a bold red color, locking pin, trigger and nozzle. For those wanting a non-alcoholic beverage, Neuro had their line of nutritional beverages on hand. Guests also tried Celsius, the calorie-burning soft drink.
(www.firestarter-vodka.com)
Lalo Fit is owned by Lalo Fuentes, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach, personal trainer and lifestyle coach. Lalo offers simple and effective ways to train you body to reach its full potential, whether in person or on his excellent DVD, which he gifted attendees, which you can do in the convenience of your own home. He also gifted personal training sessions.
Personal trainer and coach Lalo Fuentes
Lalo’s Fitness Philosophy is simple physical fitness and a true sense of wellness as a way of life; embrace a healthy lifestyle and live your life to it’s fullest potential by embracing a healthy lifestyle and make sure you never take what you have for granted. www.lalofitness.com
The Escapes Group
Among the most exciting gifts at GBK’s pre BET bash was the gift of luxury travel from The Escapes Group. An answer for the wealthy and sophisticated traveler, The Escapes Group provides luxury brands and product access to its discerning customers. The company increases the impact of its message through purposeful advertising and discriminating outreach. The team at The Escapes Group has over 45 years of experience in the global travel industry. Keith Sweat, Tyrese, The O’Jays and Teddy Riley of Guy were excited to receive a 6 night, 7 day vacation package from Indulgent Escapes (www.escapes-group.com)
Anama
Since launching its first collection in 2006, Anama fashions are now found in over 1,000 upscale boutiques nationwide and have been worn by celebrities like Tyrese Gibson, Adam Sandler, and Penelope Cruz. Known for their signature tissue-weight tops and denim styles, Miami-based Anama’s men and women’s apparel may also be found in their Los Angeles and New York showrooms. Their philosophy of “Everything is Nothing Nothing is Everything” is captured by youthful and edgy attire that transcend seasons. The line artfully combines graphic prints with subtle details and the occasional hand-applied crystal embellishment to achieve a signature style that is supported by high quality, in-house manufacturing. Anama Clothing fitted Tyrese with a signature t-shirt and Mary Mary was a fan of their signature tunic tank tops.(www.anamausa.com)
Boaz Rubinovitz for Anama Clothing.
Celebrity dentist Dr. Catrise Austin of VIP Smiles was onhand backstage gifting the nominees, performers, presenters, and celebrity attendees $1,000 gift certificates to enhance their smiles. Ginuwine showed off his pearly whites for the cameras and was excited
to see his dentist, Dr. Catrise Austin from VIP Smiles, on site. www.vipsmiles.com
Dr. Catrise Austin and VIP Smiles.
Rolling Razor
As long as women have complained about how slowly their men have evolved, men have complained about how slowly their razors have evolved. Rolling Razor may not make men better listeners but it can change the shaving experience for both men and women. A revolutionary improvement in how we shave, Rolling Razor is the most advanced shaving technology in over a century. The multi-directional Rolling Razor was engineered to intuitively apply the perfect amount of pressure to the area being shaved and includes 3 long lasting blades on each curved cartridge with easy cartridge replacement. www.rollingrazor.com
R and B singer Ciara.
Explore Talent
Also in attendance at GBK’s BET event was Explore Talent (www.exploretalent.com), the world’s largest talent resource. Founded in 2003, Explore Talent is a leading resource for acting, modeling, music, and dance auditions and casting calls.
Ne Yo gets a $2,500 diamond watch by Lex Diamonds at GBK's Gifting
Other offerings included gorgeous Lex Diamond Watches that offered original designs to host Jamie Foxx, Ne-Yo and Ray-J, chic sunglasses by Marchon Eyewear, beauty treatments and products from upscale facilities including Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Inc., a hair care kit by Metropolis, cosmetics from Dr. Susan Taylor’s RX for Brown Skin, along with new necessities to help guests beautify their look, including Revitalash Eyelash and Hair growth conditioner, the latest in eco-friendly haircare by Olivia Garden, fitness tips from personal trainer Lalo spotted giving Ciara some advice, and tasty treats from Fling, a new line of chocolate by the makers of Mars.
R & B singer Ginuwine
More on the Lamp Community
The Lamp Community was featured in The Soloist (which stars 2009 BET Awards host Jamie Foxx), and advocates the philosophy of support without preconditions. Immediate access to affordable, safe and permanent housing is offered to those afflicted by mental illness without requiring sobriety or participation in treatment.
Once settled in their home, new tenants are engaged by a warm and fostering environment, with customized services such as mental health treatment, drug recovery, healthcare, budgeting, visual and performing arts, and job opportunities.
More than 85% of the people housed by Lamp Community never return to the streets.
To view more information about the Lamp Community, please visit: www.lampcommunity.org
More on GBK Productions
Created in 2000 by Gavin B. Keilly, GBK is a luxury lifestyle gifting and special events company, specializing in entertainment marketing integration. GBK consists of five divisions: GBK Celebrity Gifting Lounges; GBK Events; GBK Weddings; GBK Charitable Consulting; and GBK Marketing/PR. Widely known in the entertainment industry for bringing that little extra something into the Gifting Lounge environment, GBK offers its clients a full range of marketing services. For more information on Gavin B. Keilly or GBK, please go to www.gbkproductions.com.
Celebrity Photo taken by Levi Walker.
Written by Jason Ryan Taylor
