GBK GIFT LOUNGE HONORING THE 2013 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS


By Karen Salkin

GBK celebrated this year’s American Music awards with yet another fabulous gifting lounge and celebrity poker tournament, which raised funds for The Model Citizen Fund, whose mission is to distribute life-sustaining backpacks, that are filled with food, health, and survival essentials, to the homeless and disaster victims, giving them the tools and confidence to build/rebuild their lives.

I wasn’t able to attend the poker portion of the event,  (a bon vivette has only so much time!,) but I really enjoyed the hip and happening gifting lounge.  The very interesting gifts, (which included fashion, cosmetics, and some one-of-a-kind items,) were presented to the beats of a DJ right in the middle of the action, and were perfect for the eclectic mix of celebrity guests.

The two celebrities I was excited to see were always-pleasant Dancing With The Stars pro Tony Dovolani, and dancer/ choreographer Casper Smart.   Some of the others in attendance were Best Contemporary Inspirational Artist winner Matthew West, Shark Tank money man Robert Herjavec, new Scandal cast member Khandi Alexander, Jay Ellis from the hit BET show The Game, and E. Roger Mitchell, Elena Sanchez and Stef Dawson from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, (which this movie has!)

These celebs, along with a few other VIPs, received many special gifts that I’ve never seen at any other gifting suite before!   The most unique was a mini, personal, rhinestone-encrusted hookah from Blow Hookah.  That one was certainly a surprise!

In the beauty category, there was a beautiful pink gift bag from GrandeLASH-MD,  which included their eyelash and eyebrow enhancer, along with their lash-boosting mascara.  Continuing the pink bag theme was British hairstylist Mark Hill, who gifted the whole array of his MiracOILicious products.   And we can’t forget the fabulous Carmex Moisture Plus lip balm, whose slim-sticks in four limited edition designs are a must-have, in my opinion.  (Just choose the outside that fits your personality.)

The fashion category consisted of everything from kindness to sexiness!  Jada Michaels handled the latter with her contemporary lingerie collection, and the former by designing for women of all sizes.  We really loved her personally as much as we admired all the beautiful items she was gifting!   And you couldn’t get any kinder than Child Support Clothing, who’s line of hip, comfortable, and affordable T-shirts and babies’ onesies “strives to make a difference in the lives of children living in desperate situations.”  They’d make perfect holiday gifts, because you’d be giving to your loved one and helping less fortunate children at the same time.

And let’s not forget the all-important accessories category.  The most fun one was Rolf Bleu,
who was gifting a choice of several items, including comfortable and stylish skullcaps featuring clever phrases, leather bracelets, and very colorful iPad covers that look like upscale purses!  How ever did the attendees choose?  And then there was Contraband Hats, who was offering the guests either a   fedora or cap, (they had both baseball and skull ones,) in a multitude of attractive designs.  And Wolfhardt gifted handmade leather wrap-around bracelets that looked like mini belts.

Of course, GBK is always kind enough to feed their guests, to keep up everyone’s strength for all this excitement, and this time Jalisco’s Mobile Taco Grill did the honors.  They served their very delicious beef and chicken tacos, with all the trimmings, or, for the more health-conscious attendees, there was also a taco salad.  

And all the while, the really helpful staff, of both GBK and the various sponsors, made everyone feel welcome and special.  No wonder all the celebs keep coming back to their events!

[You can read a more detailed account of GBK’s American Music Awards Lounge at itsnotaboutme.tv/news/gifting-suite-gbk-gift-lounge-honoring-the-2013-american-music-awards.]