DORIS BERGMAN’S GRATITUDE GIFTING LOUNGE FOR THE 2021 GEORGE LOPEZ CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC

This was the perfect event! Doris Bergman’s Gratitude Gifting Lounge was a win on every level; I loved every moment of the day, and I felt that way about just about every person there, as well! And some of the gifts are from companies of whom I’m already a fan, so it’s my pleasure to tell you about them.

Before I get ahead of myself, I must explain that The George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic is usually held in May, but because of the pandemic, it was moved to October. I actually think playing golf in the Fall is lovelier than playing it in the Spring, so this whole event was a delight. (And yes–I actually have played golf, including in several Celebrity Golf Classics when I was doing my show. Go figure.)

But now that I don’t have to play in tournaments anymore, I’m so much happier being invited to Doris Bergman’s Gratitude Gifting Lounge for George Lopez’s star-studded event. I love to see what the lucky celebs receive at this classy lounge. Just about every item was perfection in my book!

It was held once again at a beautiful private golf club in the Toluca Lake/Burbank area. While the golfing took place all around the grounds, of course, the Gratitude Lounge was in the convenient Vista Room of the Clubhouse, which has such peaceful and lovely views.

The atmosphere was uber-convivial from the get-go. Even the valet parkers were nice! A DJ set the upbeat tone in the room all day, and made announcements, including reminding everyone to wear their masks when inside, which I really appreciated. And since we all had to show proof of vaccination to even get onto the premises, I felt safe and comfortable the entire time.

All the food was outdoors, right outside the room, so we could enjoy a repast whenever the mood struck us. The first station featured chefs from the Golf Club grilling-up delicious hamburgers and chicken. We could have them naked or on lovely little buns, and we chose our own adornments, such as coleslaw, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. And let me tell you—those house-made potato chips were the absolute best ones I’ve ever had! If I were a member of that club, I would never even play, but rather just sit around and eat those chips all day! Yu-um!

There were taco and hot dog stations around the grounds for the players, as well. On the beverages front, there was a happening bar outside and a tequila tasting in the Clubhouse. Everyone must have loved getting refreshed like that throughout the hot day.

Okay, here are the deets I’m sure you’re all looking forward to the most–the highlights of the gifts the celebs received:

Diamond Veneer—My friends and I have loved this sparkling jewelry since we discovered it a few years ago when we noticed someone wearing the absolute perfect tennis bracelet, and inquired where she got it. And of course, it was from this company. I’ve been against real diamonds for years, (because of the mining situation,) so when I found-out that the bling from this company is actually micro-pave zirconate, my jaw hit the floor. It’s all absolutely stunning! And with no social justice issues, I decided I wanted every single bracelet they make, especially the gorgeous tennis ones. The guests at this lounge were indeed very lucky to receive any item from Jacob, but I cannot figure out how they chose among all the gorgeousness.  www.diamondveneer.com

Mperial Sportswear—I got all choked-up when I turned a corner and saw this company there because…the shorts from this Michael Chandler-designed sportswear line are the only ones the incredibly choosey Mr. X will wear!!! I had given him a pair before the lockdown began a year and a half ago, and they may have literally saved his life because, as he told me, he could not have exercised without them! He wears them on the treadmill and in the pool, and he would have used them on the basketball court, too, if there had been group activities during that time. When I asked why he loves them so much, he said they have the “perfect thick waistband, the perfect fit, and the perfect length!” So trust us when we sing the praises of Mperial Sportswear. And I noticed that they did the cutest thing at this George Lopez event—each gift bag included a face mask that matched the article of clothing the guest chose! How thoughtful. www.mperialsportswear.com

Hypo Footwear—Having discovered these very appealing sneakers at Doris’ previous gift lounge, (for the recent Emmys,) I was thrilled to see them at this event, too. And because of the calm nature of this lovely lounge, I got to dig a bit deeper into the company with its Founder, Sal. He told me that one of his sneakers, the JC, is so-named for his father’s initials, and another, the 59s, is for the year his parents either met or married! I love a good child who honors his or her parents, (as you know I always have.) I checked-out their site and noticed that part of the About page says, “If you want something in life, you have to GO GET IT.” To that end, I’m positive that all the celebs here wanted these sneakers, and got them! www.hypofootwear.com

Naztech—All the techie guests were drooling over this gift! It’s their Ultimate Power Station, which every electronic multi-tasker can use these days. You just lay your phone down on it, and presto—it gets charged without plugging in a thing! But you can plug several other devices into it so they all charge at the same time. It’s the kind of gift every household needs. www.naztech.com

Twisted Silver Jewelry—As the proud owner of several items of designer Debra Mitchell’s hip and happening jewelry, I smile every time I see her (and her cute associates) at one of Doris’ events. They’re all always happy, and generous to everyone, to boot! And I find new pieces at each sighting. This time, among the many manly designs (which were chosen for the mostly-male celeb pals of George Lopez,) I was drawn to a perfect necklace of little black “balls” with a silver disk on the part that hangs down. When I found-out its moniker is “Ball and Chain,” I loved it even more because that’s what Mr. X thinks I am to him. (That is, when he’s not referring to himself as my “hostage,” which I agree is apt. Hey-maybe Debra can come up with a necklace for that designation!) www.twisted-silver.com

Milena LA—I can tell when Milena is at an event just by entering the premises. That’s because the delicious fragrance from her beautiful candles is wafting through the room. At this event, she was featuring her holiday line, which were gifted in beautiful black boxes with white satin ribbon. I took whiffs of her Woodland Chestnut, Christmas Cabernet, and Sleigh Ride, and each one made me think of twinkling lights and snow. And it was ninety degrees out that day! What a powerful image for a candle to evoke. www.milenala.com

Chokolatta–This chocolate shop with a duo of locations here in SoCal was gifting their six-piece bonbon boxes along with the cutest thing—a lollipop of milk chocolate in the shape of a…golf club! I’m sure all the celebs who played in the golf classic that day really appreciated those. www.chokolatta.biz

Raw Gear—This company handed-out a variety of work-out clothing for men, including hoodies, jogging pants, and cool shorts. If the attire would help the males in attendance look like the models on this website, I’m sure they would wear it all day, every day! www.bmfitgear.com

The Syndicate—A duo of innocent-looking young ladies was handing everyone a gift bag of…cannabis products! It was a fun assortment; I’m sure half the guests wanted to try them out right on the spot. (And I have a feeling some actually did!) www.socalthesyndicate.com

Beauty Kitchen—This company was making little goodie bags for each guest as they chose their own gifts from several options, including little colorful round soaps, moisturizer, and after-sun spray.

Of course, much more important than the gifts and celebrities is the wonderful organization which was benefitted by this event. The mission of the eponymous George Lopez Foundation is “to create positive, permanent change for underprivileged children, adults, and military families confronting challenges in education and health, as well as increasing community awareness about kidney disease and organ donation.” That last part is especially impactful to me right now because my krump-dancing bae, Oldz Kool, (also known as “Mr. X,”) had just told me about a “remarkable woman” choreographer/director he’s worked with who had donated a kidney to someone. I applaud everyone who performs that incredible kindness, and give kudos to this wonderful foundation for doing work in that arena. www.georgelopezfoundation.org