GBK’S LUXURY PRIMETIME TELEVISION’S AWARDS LOUNGE 2024

GBK’s always-wonderful gifting lounge returned to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel’s second floor garden for the week-end before the Emmys. That hotel is my perennial favorite, and my LA native co-writer, Laura, is fond of it, as well. She said, “Attending a GBK event at the iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel is always an amazing experience. Every detail, from the setting to the sunshine to the sophisticated atmosphere, contributed to an unforgettable day this time, reaffirming GBK’s reputation for orchestrating truly exceptional gatherings.”

Speaking of the sunshine, the weather totally cooperated after the crazy Los Angeles heatwave ended just a couple of days before! (Laura said, “GBK events seem to always have a charmed relationship with the weather.”)

I have never mentioned the background music at events before, but, because it was so good this time, I must discuss. As some of you may know, back in the day I was a dance club promoter, which means my partners and I invited the guests and chose the DJ. My DJs were always the tops in the club biz, but the young lady at this event, DJ Bri Giger, was the absolute best one I have ever encountered anywhere! From the second we entered the area, I honestly would have preferred to find a corner and dance rather than meet-and-greet everyone! Even Laura, who was never a club chick, noticed that Bri is a “top-tier DJ who masterfully sets the mood.”

In addition to loving the music and the generous and classy dessert buffet, here are the highlights of the items we discovered there:

Ike’s Love and Sandwiches—We always love seeing Ike and his delish sandwiches anywhere, (I honestly don’t know which I love more—the man or his culinary creations!,) but especially at GBK events, where I originally met him several years ago. I thank them for introducing us. Ike is always so welcoming, to pals and strangers alike. Laura’s a big fan, too, (I even just discovered some napkins from his shops around town in her car!,) and says, “Ike’s sandwiches are of such exceptional quality; they truly are top-notch and outstanding. Ike has revolutionized the sandwich game with his delicious creations.”  www.ikessandwich.com

(RED)—I’ve known about this kind charitable organization, which was founded by Bono and the beautiful Bobby Shriver, for many years, ever since GAP featured some fashions for them. (I bought just about every one back then!) At this event, they were offering a choice of several gifts from supportive companies, such as Aroma360’s gorgeous red candles and Panasonic’s adorable palm-sized electric razor, to remind us of their special work. Laura says it’s to “exemplify their commitment to blending philanthropy with high-quality products.” (RED)’s purpose is to combat AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Laura told me that she “truly admires companies with a purpose, and Product Red’s innovative approach has significantly transformed the charity landscape. Their work not only supports crucial global health initiatives but also inspires other organizations to integrate social responsibility into their business models.” www.red.org

House of Douse—This new product was perhaps the most interesting one there! We had never seen anything like it! The “Douser” is basically a hand-crafted combo ashtray and “snuffer” for smoke items, such as joints and—God forbid—cigarettes and cigars, which no one should be smoking! (So stick to the bud, people!) On top of the functionality, Laura deems these handcrafted items to be “bespoke works of art.” On top of all that, they’re made in the USA, which is always a good thing.  www.houseofdouse.com

Michael Todd Beauty—This beauty device company was gifting their Sonicsmooth, which is a skin dermaplaning system. My facialist always recommends that people do that procedure whether or not they actually have facial peach fuzz because it’s touted to help give you prettier skin. So, to be able to do that at home with this small appliance is indeed a luxury. www.michaeltoddbeauty.com

Spa Sciences Health Nasal Fresh MD—They gifted their saline nasal irrigation system, which Laura delved into, so she’s taking this one. She tells us, “As someone who frequently contends with sinus issues and the occasional sinus infection, I was genuinely intrigued by what the rep was telling me. This advanced device promises to offer a more sophisticated solution compared to the traditional neti pot. The Nasal Fresh MD utilizes a powered saline system designed to provide a deeper and more thorough nasal cleansing, potentially offering greater relief and comfort. For someone like me with sinus challenges, the idea of a cutting-edge tool that goes beyond the basics of nasal irrigation is particularly exciting.”  www.nasalfreshmd.com

Happy Gut Life Coffee—They were offering cups of their coffee, (which perhaps many guests needed with all the fetes that week-end,) and gifted a bag of their Smooth Dark Roast.  Laura, who’s always into the technical aspect of our discoveries, did some research and tells us that “the best part about this coffee brand is that it contains no mold, mycotoxins, pesticides, glyphosate, nor heavy metals, and it is third-party lab-tested.” I just enjoyed talking to the rep about our mutual interest in our times spent in New Jersey and Colorado!  www.happygutlife.com

Speech Fox—As the daughter of English and Speech teachers/professors, I have always cared about people speaking correctly, even before I was an actress. So it was really interesting to meet Melanie Fox whose area this is, and who was offering gift certificates for her services. Laura explains, “Her clients are professionals, performers, and public speakers who are looking to modify their current accent, learn a new dialect, or become polished, engaging, and confident public speakers.” But if anyone ever wants to learn perfect Brooklynese, they can just converse with yours truly for a few minutes!  www.speechfox.com

AXR—This wine-tasting room in Napa Valley was gifting a “tasting experience” for four. I don’t drink, but Laura said, “Having spent considerable time in Napa while attending school just forty-five minutes away, I have fond memories of the region. I haven’t thought about Napa for awhile, but after talking to the representative from AXR at this event, I might need to do a road trip to revisit the area and indulge in the delightful wine offerings that the area is renowned for.”  www.axrnapavalley.com

Harry’s Famous Sauce—Jars of this new entry into the pasta sauce game were available to all the guests as they entered. (Or exited, if they preferred not to carry a weighty glass jar around the event.) Rosemary Red Wine is the flavor they’re offering to start their enterprise off, and it will be interesting to see what people think of it.  www.harrysfamous.com

As always, GBK featured a couple of charities to benefit from the event. Laura noted, “It’s great that GBK gives these organizations the opportunity to educate all the celebrities and press in attendance about the good work they are doing to help others.” This time, they were:

Trauma Intervention Program (TIP)—This is a non-profit volunteer crisis response team that works with first responders and hospital personnel. Their Orange County rep at the lounge is the person I enjoyed talking with the most. Lovely person for a lovely organization! www.tiporangecounty.org

The Collective Identity Mentoring (TCI)—This organization is a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to empowering young Black women by enhancing their self-esteem, leadership skills, and academic achievements. www.thecollectiveidentity.org