In honor of the nominees and presenters of the 2011 Academy Awards, GBK, the luxury lifestyle gift lounge and special events company, hosted its annual gift lounge this past weekend, February 25th and 26th at the W Hotel in Hollywood. Many celebrities attended the GBK Academy Awards Gift Lounge such as Jane Lynch, Teri Hatcher, William Shatner, and Niecy Nash to name a few. Gavin Keilly (GBK) raised $200,000 in cash and products for these incredible non-profits – City of Hope, American Red Cross and A New Way of Life. Be sure to catch our upcoming video of all the vendors and many celebrity interviews here on LAsThePlace.com!
Teri Hatcher and Gavin Kelly with a bag that raised over $45,000 for her charity.
Celebrities, VIP’s and media had the opportunity to enjoy a luxurious environment with gifts, refreshments, and charity fund raising. There was an array of unique gifts included in the lounge and celebrities ran around, enamored with their new gifts.
Stars’ Reactions to Gifts
Jane Lynch tested the Kefty home gym, a Pilates type apparatus that allows you to work out while in the comfort of your own home. She also got comfy on a ComforPedic mattress by Simmons, with stepdaughter Hayden.
Jane Lynch on ComforPedic mattress by Simmons with stepdaughter Hayden.
Jacki Weaver said, “if you have pink, I’ll wear it all the time,†addressing the pink diamond ring by Diamonds by Donna. Jaime Pressly snagged a pair of William Rast sunglasses commenting, “they think of everything, these glasses don’t leave cheek marks.â€
Cloris Leachman loved the ComfortPedic mattresses and wanted to ‘stay there forever’.
GBK's Gavin Keilly with actor Michael Vartan.
Attendees also enjoyed getting their nails done by Julep and getting their eyebrows threaded by Ziba. Celebrities also enjoyed sipping on cocktails from Bota Box, the original environmentally friendly premium 3L wine box and VeeV Açaà Spirit from Veev Spirts. Handmade dark chocolate fudge truffles from Cocopotamus Chocolate and freshly baked gourmet cookies from Cookies for a Koz satisfied everyone’s sweet tooth
Alfre Woodard lends her support to the charities.
GBK Gift Lounge Fundraising
A portion of the proceeds from the gifting lounge was donated to three worthy charities.
City of Hope, a leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. For more information about City of Hope, go to www.coh.org
Beauty and talent: Malin Ackerman and Jaime Pressley
American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization lead by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. For more information about American Red Cross, go to www.redcrossofsantamonica.org
Charlotte Ross (NYPD Blue, Drive Angry 3D) with American Red Cross.
A New Way of Life, an organization committed to breaking the cycle of incarceration and addiction for women and girls so they can live happy lives. For more information about A New Way of Life, go to www.anewwayoflife.org
Regina King, Cheech Marin
The GBK Swag Play by Play
Want to know what swag was given out at the GBK Gift Lounge so you too can stock up on what the celebrities have? To satisfy your curiosity, we give you the breakdown.
Exclusive Sedan Service, the leader in luxury ground transportation worldwide -Â gifted gift certificate for chauffeured luxury transportation. Their quest is to provide a level of excellence that is far and above expectation. 2009-2010 “Operator of the Year”. Only the best for GBK celebs and guest VIPs!
ComforPedic by Simmons gifted a ComforPedic Mystic mattress and pillow. They use an advanced NxG memory foam they call “the better memory foam”; 9.5″ profile height, Transflexion Comfort Technology, available in firm or plush, and a 25 year limited warrenty. www.comfortpedic.com
Cloris Leachman relaxes on ComfortPedic.
Cloris Leachman also adored the ComforPedic mattress stating she could “stay there forever.â€
Kefty Home Gym gifted their portable fitness tool: KEFTY is an exercise device, but it also embodies a design philosophy. Kefty is a highly-versatile exerciser. KEFTY stands for Kinesthetic Exerciser for Training Yourself. It only weighs 4 pounds and utilizes Isometric tension to efficiently engage your body in literally hundreds of compound exercises. In other words, you get beyond a completed exercize regime! www.kefty.com. The stars loved this one. So did we!
Jane Lynch couldn't resist KEFTY
TEI Spa (facial cleansing products) Tei Spa is a California-based portable beauty tools company featuring the upmost in quality skin care devices used at home and on-the-go. They gifted their new “The Point Pen”, a galvanic firming tool that every celeb and VIP delighted in receiving one.Galvanic is the magic word and in a word, works! Visit www.teispa.com to view Tei Spa’s state of the art spa and beauty tools.
Pitahaya Swimsuits gifted bathing suits. Handmade by the Olo-Tule, this indigenous community finds cultural expression through molas – traditional tattoos rendered on fabric. www.pitahayaswimsuits.com
In-home FarNorth Infrared Sauna offered excited celebrities their own in-home infrared saunas, complete with installation! Far North Wellness is the leading manufacturer and distributor of the highest quality far infrared saunas, far infrared therapy products, traditional saunas and infrared heaters in the world.Far infrared sauna therapy is one of the most exciting health and wellness tools of the 21st century. www.farnorthsaunas.com
Malin Ackerman with Far North Infrared in-home Saunas.
SENSA Weight-Loss System – Revolutionary Weight-loss system, clinical proven! Contains a nutrient blend of antioxidants and vitamins. By sprinkling this on your food, it decreases your cravings and your appetite. They also gifted their new energy-enhancing vitamin drink, SENSA Quench. It worked for Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stranger, and we will be trying this too! Stay tuned. www.trySensa.com
Arbonne International creates vegan-certified personal care and wellness products that preserve and enhance the skin, body and mind for an integrative approach to beauty. Celebs embrace conscientious products such as this line and loved Arbonne. At Arbonne, beauty begins with premium botanical ingredients, innovative scientific discovery, and an unwavering commitment to pure, safe and beneficial products. www.arbonne.com
DECLEOR Paris gifted beauty products for men and women. Decleor is an all-natual line based on aromatherapy and is a cult favorite in Europe. They have created aromatherapeutic sets filled with a skin care regimen infused with all-natural active ingredients such as rose, lily, eucalyptus, plum and more. They were also presenting items from their MEN skincare line – a3 Aromessence Triple Action Shave Perfector, and their complete system. www.Decleor.com
Ziba Beauty is a chain of brow lounges that specializes in the Art of Threading, which removes the unwanted hair from the follicle with the use of a cotton thread, and the Art of Mehndi, which is an ancient form of temporary tattoos using natural henna to paint the body. www.ZibaBeauty.com
Jacki Weaver, who was nominated for Animal Kingdom and comedianne/actress Niecy Nash.
Bota Box…Wine in a box? Bota Box contains the equivalent of four bottles of wine and has revolutionized the way consumers now drink wine. If the name sounds familiar, it is derived from the bota bag that was popular in the 60’s, Bota Box allows you to enjoy premium California wine by the glass, and uses state of the art bag and tap technology that allows their award-winning wine to stay fresh for up to 45 days after opening. Available in 8 varietals. www.BotaBox.com
CAbi gifted clothing items and gift certificate for their clothing line. With eye-catching detail and chic tayloring, CAbi is a beautiful whimsical line that captures a boundless color palette. the heart of CAbi Foundation helps the poor and disenfranchised around the world. To join and lend your support, visit www.CAbionline.com
Beau Bridges picks out some fun items from CAbi for his wife.
Caribbean Living Magazine gifted one-week, all-inclusive stays in the Caribbean. Caribbean Living is now on Facebook, and Twitter and Youtube, and LIVE on Ustream. . You can find them broadcasting LIVE from all of their celebrity photo shoots, from some of the most exquisite resorts and destinations in the Caribbean, and will get you up close and LIVE at all of their events. Coming up – MTV Movie Awards. Follow them on Ustream and you can chat live with host Lorie Metz and all of their celebrity friends who will drop by the SLS hotel in Beverly Hills.
Cocopotamus Chocolate gifted dark chocolate fudge truffles. Celebrities sampled handmade dark chocolate truffles from artisanal chocolatier Cocopotamus by NYDC Chocolate.
What's yummier than Cocopotomus Chocolates? Wes Ramsey and Cocopotomus Chocolates.
Celebrities absolutely loved the truffles included actress Teri Hatcher, NFL star Terrell Owens, and stars from Oscar-nominated films The Fighter, The Social Network, and The Kids Are Alright as well as stars from TV shows including Modern Family, Glee!, Monk, Psych, CSI Miami, Dancing With The Stars, Mad Men, Better With You, Moesha, Southland, Dexter and My Name Is Earl.
Jaime Pressley and Jane Lynch went kookoo for Cocopotomus Chocolates.
But one of the biggest “stars” of all was Cocopotamus, due in equal parts to the brand’s hip look, luscious taste, and low-fat/all natural status. Cocopotamus is made by NYDC Chocolate, is sold in 28 states and 3 provinces of Canada. They ship nationwide from their website, www.cocopotamus.com. Sold at Whole Foods Market. They also make truffles for events and weddings. Excellent!
NYR Organics gifted great organic beauty products! This award-winning, very conscientious company created a great line of Certified Organic health and beauty products. They gifted a wide assortment of excellent products. They are the UK’s first certified organic health and beauty company, are carbon neutral, and offer the largest ranges of certified organic products. [email protected]
NYR Organics, Inc
Cookie for a Koz gifted their gourmet cookies. These delightful cookies are made in honor of a lovely woman who originally created the recipes and supported a great cause. This company is also committed to raising money for a very important “cause†– Starlight Children’s Foundation. This was Audrey Coz’s favorite charity. 10% of your purchase goes directly to Starlight. We hope these cookies put a smile on your face and bring you the warmth and love that Audrey magically created in every bite.
Galloping Cow Fine Foods gifted assorted pepper jellies, including their new Wild Blueberry Pepper Spread. They are all great on crackers with cheese and for use with roasted meats. Delicious! www.GallopingCows.com
Diamonds by Donna (earth-grown and cultured diamonds, hand-made bracelets and necklaces)
Glimmer Body Art – Do-it-yourself body glimmer art (glitter tattoo kits). www.glimmerbodyart.com
Diane Lai (beauty products)
Ematic (4GB Video MP3 Player and designer headphones)
Felicity, LLC (luxury handcrafted purses)
GlyMed Plus Advanced Aesthetics (oil free moisturizer for men and spa kit for pets)
020608 Tears of Bleu – Authentic premium denim, designed, styled and tailored in Japan with a touch of British tayloring. www.020608TearsofBleu.com
Basicare gifted everyday essential beauty products, such as manicure and pedicure tools and more. www.Basicare.com
Julep nail polish and nail care – Some of their products, developed by Julep Nail Parlor include Julep Nail Growth Revitalizing Serum was formulated to strengthen weak, thin nails. First-ever nail serum to use ground-breaking technology to transform the health and strength of nails. Julep Nail Vernis is a highly curated line of runway-inspired colors. www.
Just Bling Watches (premium diamond watches)
All bling, all the 'time'.
Yakult USA gifted gift certificates – Yakult is the world’s leading probiotic beverage created in Japan in 1935. It is produced by Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd – the world’s pioneer in probiotics. Today, Yakult is sold in more than 30 countries and regions around the world. The company’s portfolio includes a range of consumer, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. For additional company information, please visit www.yakult.co.jp/english.
MegaFood gifted food supplements and SIGG water bottle. MegaFood premium multi-vitamins are made with a full spectrum of fresh whole foods including farm fresh broccoli, carrots, oranges, Maine Wild Blueberries, Cape Cod Cranberries and pure nutritional yeast. www.MegaFood.com
Nano Magnetics (magnetic conductors)
Watch for our upcoming video with Nano Magnetics
Puretoes – Footcover for yoga, pilates, martial arts, etc… Protects your bare feet, yet exposes the toes for non-slip functionality!
Tees by Tina – Sexy, seemless and comfortable… they do not ride up and provide a beautiful silouette. Many colors and styles. www.teesbytina.com
Zamani Retreat Kempinski (seven-night all inclusive health package in Africa’s prime holistic health retreat)
Angus Mitchell – gift certificate to salon
Ziba Beauty (eyebrow beauty products)
Maze Home Store (leather bracelet key ring and gift certificate)
Zamani Retreat Kempinski (Eight-night vacation plus African Safari Trip with an additional three-nights in Serengeti National Park)
Baker Street Bakery – Gifted Apple pie.
Madame Paulette specializes in couture cleaning, restoration and preservation. Their unique cleaning services include designer and couture apparel, interior cleaning and restoration, European tayloring, bridal cleaning and preservation, leathers, suede and fur. The gifted $150 towards any of their prestigious cleaning services and the Madame Paulette Professional Stain Removal Kit. www.MadamePaulette.com
Peace Cord: Hand-woven bracelets hand woven by Afghan women using parachute cord and military uniform buttons. Peach Cord donates 100% of the proceeds to programs that empower Afghan woman and supports projects carried out by our troops. www.PeaceCord.org
Celebrity Guest List
Here are the celebrities that attended the GBK Academy Award Gift Lounge at the W Hotel:
Jamie Pressly
Jane Lynch, Jackie Weaver, Cloris Leachman, Beau Bridges, Jaime Pressly, William S
hatner, Teri Hatcher, Cheech Marin, Mike O’Mailey, Roma Maffia, Peter Weller, Raven Symone, Maria Canals-Barrera, Malin Akerman, Charlotte Ross, Max Adler, Iqbal Theba, Alfre Woodward, Regina King, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Aimee Teegarden, Shelby Young, Fred Willard, Cedric Sanders, Boris Kodjoe, Lauren Velez, Constantaine Maroulis and Eddie Hassell, Terell Owens, Jack McGee, Nia Peeples, Niecy Nash, Tony Shalhoub, Josh Sussman, Tim Daley, Natasha Henstridge, Kelly Rutherford, Dendrie Taylor, Jennifer Finnigan, Jonathan Silverman, Dule Hill, Natasha Alam, Robert Morse, Jared Harris, Kathryn Joosten, Drew Lachey, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Michael Vartan, Rex Lee, Maria Menounos, Chris Harrison, Regina Cameron, Verlene Cameron, Lynne Curtain and Shaun Toub.
About GBK
GBK, formerly GBK Productions, is a luxury lifestyle gifting and special events company, specializing in entertainment marketing integration. Formed in 2000 by Gavin Keilly, the company’
s Founder and CEO, GBK consists of five divisions: GBK Celebrity Gifting, GBK Special Events, GBK Weddings, GBK Charitable Consulting and GBK Marketing/Public Relations. 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 (CEO), Carla Domen (VP) or GBK, please go to gbkproductions.com.
