By: Valerie Milano & Teri Kinne
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 7/11/2024 –Some of the biggest names in sports explored the lavish Pre-ESPY Awards Luxury Lounge, created by GBK and presented by MEND. Held in Century City/Beverly Hills the day before the 2024 ESPY Awards, the event drew ESPY Award nominees, presenters, past winners, and other A-list sports and celebrity talent. Guests were immersed in an afternoon of opulence, becoming the first to experience the most coveted gifts of the year. Each VIP attendee received a gift bag valued at up to $60,000, filled with the year’s hottest and most exclusive items and trips. As press, we got to visit each generous vendor, learn more about the reason they participated and experience some of the products ourselves. The theme of the gifts appeared to focus on making life easier, healthier, and more fulfilling.
The luxurious event at the Ten Thousand Luxury Residences in Los Angeles was a highlight for top athletes and celebrities. Hosted by GBK and presented by MEND, the lounge featured cutting-edge skincare products from the sponsor, which utilize stem cells and gold nanoparticles. Alongside MEND’s offerings, attendees enjoyed a variety of high-end gifts, including Aroma360’s luxurious scents, wines from Fog Crest Vineyard, gourmet flash-frozen meals from Jane Foodie, and Savant Power’s Cync smart plug bundle.
The star-studded guest list included members of the Oklahoma Sooners softball team—Nicole May, Karlie Keeney, and Riley Ludlam—as well as nominee Jaydin Blackwell a Paralympic Sprint Runner. Sports icons such as Chuck Liddell (MMA), George Karlaftis (NFL), Ogbo “Obezzy” Okoronkwo (NFL), and Olympic gold medalists Greg Louganis, Gil Roberts, Al Joyner, and Willie Gault also made appearances. Additional notable attendees were Clippers Assistant Coach Brian Shaw, Carli Lloyd, Tommy DeVito, Dion Dawkins, Brendan Rice, Marcellus Wiley, T.J. Ward, Norm Nixon, Li’Angelo Ball, Eric Metcalf, Rae Burrell, Lexie Brown, KJ Martin, Robert Griffin, Rodney Peete, Christine Williamson, Cat Cora, Eric Dickerson, and the cast of the new hit show Clipped.
Lux Lounge Brand Participants:
- Action Takers Publishing: Empowering women and men to share their stories through ghostwriting and publishing services, with a mission to impact 5 million people. Learn more
- ADM Entertainment: Providing top-notch DJ services for events across Southern California and beyond. Learn more
- Aroma360: Luxury scenting brand offering diffusers and boutique fragrances for homes, businesses, and cars. Learn more
- Dr. Croom Army Vet: Providing holistic remedies for pets, including stress and soreness relief through herbal and holistic treatments. Learn more
- Fog Crest Vineyard: Showcasing the 2017 Laguna West Pinot Noir and the 2019 Estate Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. Learn more
- Foundation for a Drug-Free World: The largest non-governmental, non-profit drug education program globally, promoting drug-free living. Learn more
- Glow Pups: Fun and functional dog lifestyle brand offering leashes, bowls, pet teepees, and toys. Learn more
- Good Quality Human: Unique fashion brand with a focus on individuality, offering products that tell a story. Learn more
- Ike’s Love and Sandwiches: Renowned for a wide variety of sandwiches catering to all dietary preferences, offering a $1,000 gift card. Learn more
- Incognito: Non-alcoholic, ready-to-drink cannabis cocktails crafted with high-quality hemp-derived THC and CBD. Learn more
- Jane Foodie: Gourmet flash-frozen meals delivered to your door, providing effortless, restaurant-quality dining at home. Learn more
- LA Bodywork: Offering sample bodywork and stretch performance sessions to relieve muscle tension and improve flexibility. Learn more
- La Casa del Camino: Stay and Play at the historic La Casa del Camino hotel in Laguna Beach, with luxury accommodations and amenities. Learn more
- Malaka Tattoo Collective: Premier tattoo studio in Hollywood offering a small to medium tattoo to interested celebrities. Learn more
- MEND: Utilizing stem cells and gold nanoparticles for advanced skincare solutions. Learn more
- Motiv Matcha: Matcha gummies infused with adaptogens to boost brain function, reduce stress, and combat fatigue. Learn more
- Raiwasa Private Resort: A luxurious two-night stay for four adults at Raiwasa in Fiji, with exclusive private amenities and 5-star dining. Learn more
- Rollga SoCal: Innovative foam roller designed to increase flexibility and relieve muscle soreness without bruising. Learn more
- Sailrock Resort: Premier luxury resort in Turks and Caicos offering a five-night stay. Learn more
- Savant Power: Smart home and power solutions including an indoor and outdoor smart plug bundle and a power bank. Learn more
- Shari Henry: Emerging fashion designer gifting a designer hat and a $250 gift card to explore her latest collection. Learn more
- SIMS Blooms: Artistic floral design brand providing florals for the media wall, creating ethereal connections through flowers. Learn more
- Speech Fox: Specializing in accent reduction, dialect coaching, and presentation skills to help clients communicate effectively. Learn more
- Ten Thousand: Iconic luxury residence hosting the ESPY’s gifting suite event, located at the edge of Beverly Hills and Century City. Learn more
- Values Driven: Promoting a values-driven culture through unique clothing designed to address global challenges. Learn more
- Warrior Beverages: Partnering with Los Angeles Lakers legend AC Green to gift Warrior Energy Drink and Warrior Alkaline Water, promoting health and wellness. Learn more
- Watering Seeds Organization: Non-profit focused on sports rehabilitation and wellness for wounded veterans and challenged civilians. Learn more
- Xalisco DrinXspirits & Tequila Casa Pochteca: Introducing premium agave-based beverages and offering guidance for brand development. Learn more
Charity Partner:
- Animal Foster Network: A 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to fostering homeless animals, featuring the safest custom-fit harness on the market. Learn more.
The GBK Brand Bar Pre-ESPY Luxury Lounge sponsored by MEND, set a glamorous tone for the 2024 ESPY Awards with lavish gifts and star-studded attendees, leaving guests eagerly anticipating the main event.
