GBK GIFTING SUITE HONORING THE ESPY AWARDS
I love that GBK always surprises us with their gifting suite venues. For their recent event to honor the 2016 ESPY Awards, they chose the two-year-old Line Hotel in Koreatown. I can’t believe that I had not been there yet! So, I was grateful for this opportunity, to be in with the in-crowd, at last.
Photo by Karen Salkin.
The suite was in a separate edifice on the grounds, conveniently located right off the valet parking, which made it easy for the VIPs to carry their body-sized goodie bags to their cars.
My trusty assistant, Curtis, and I had a great time discovering so many new products. His comments are the ones in quotes, and the rest is all me.
Here are the highlight of the gifts:
Photo by Karen Salkin.
RunPhones—There is probably no one on earth happier that someone created these “sleep” headphones than I! I hate noise, and Mr. X has to listen to something—anything–to get to sleep. So, years ago, he invented an uncomfortable little speaker for under his pillow (because he hates sleeping with ear buds in his ears.) But now, with this comfortable headband that has either bluetooth (for him) or wired headphones, (in case I ever need them,) that makes it so much easier. For both of us! (They have a model for running, and exercise in general, as well. But we’d rather sleep.) www.runphones.com
Photo by Karen Salkin.
ProTrending Clothing—The girls from this company could not have been more pleasant or accommodating! (Of course they were nice—one is a Capricorn, like moi!) They also had my favorite item of the day, because it was for Mr. X. They were gifting their SoundStitch hoodies, which feature sewn-in headphones! How perfect for my krump-dancing bae! And—get ready for this part—the whole thing is machine washable, even with the earbuds still attached! OMG! And best yet, they’re all made right here in the USA. So, this gift is like a win-win-win-win-win! www.protrending.com
Photo by Karen Salkin.
Cooper Tire—This Title Sponsor was gifting the cutest item! (You know how much I love clever stuff.) It’s a small bag, that looks like a stuffed animal version of a tire. But when you unzip it, you find a wonderful, and more importantly for car safety, a practical, emergency car kit. There’s an entire set of cables, a pair of work gloves, and a flashlight…complete with batteries! How thoughtful of them! www.coopertire.com
B Opulent Jewelry—This jewelry designer, (who is a bit mysterious because he prefers to stay under the radar, but I just had to laud him here,) was gifting a choice of beautiful bracelets and necklaces, which I’m sure every guest was happy to receive. www.bopulent.com
Photo by Karen Salkin.
Nulo Pet Food—Curtis, who has big dogs, talked to the rep from this company for awhile, and got the low-down on their pet foods. We were both impressed with the many different kinds they had on display. Curtis liked that the kibble is “grain-free, and great for dogs with gastro-intestinal problems.” He added that they’re all “very good for picky-eaters.” That made me miss Clarence, The Singing Dog, for whom Mr. X had to make gourmet meals to get him to eat, even more! If only we’d known about Nulo during his long life! www.nulo.com
JLEW Bags—This purse designer from New York was gifting little waterproof bags, that are designed for transporting things like wet bathing suits, or shoes that you don’t want touching your clean clothing. www.jlewbags.com
GBK’s charity beneficiaries this go-round were:
Photo by Karen Salkin.
LA Clipper Foundation–The LA Clippers Foundation fosters and supports community outreach programs in Los Angeles, with a focus on improving the lives of the children who are most in need of their support and services. I was happy to learn that the staff, and even players, volunteer their services throughout the year. And we got to talk a bit of basketball while we were learning about all this kindness! www.nba.com/clippers/foundation
Photo by Karen Salkin.
Animal Wellness Foundation—This charity does more than rescues dogs and cats. They also help low-income families with medical care for their pets, which is so important with those bills being more than they even are for many humans! www.animalwellnessfoundation.org
The whole while, the DJ kept the music pumping, and the drinks were flowing. There was a big refreshment table in the middle of the main room, and tasty tidbits provided by the hotel were passed all day. In a separate room downstairs, Jalisco’s Mobile Taco Grill was serving their soft tacos. And we even got to have our necks and shoulders worked on by Dr. Liza from Toronto.
So, a great time was had by all.
