Celebrities Donate Gift Bags to Raise Funds for Tsunami Relief
The usual glitz and glamour of the 10th Annual Critics Choice Awards was outshined this year when Tinsel-Town’s brightest showed hearts of gold. As celebrities at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles, CA recognized their peers and celebrated their cinematic achievement, the producers of the Critics Choice Awards show asked award winners and presenters to do the uncommon – to autograph, and then donate, their Celebrity Gift Bags – each valued well over $20,000 – to Operation USA for Tsunami relief in southeast Asia.
The usual glitz and glamour of the 10th Annual Critics Choice Awards was outshined this year when Tinsel-Town’s brightest showed hearts of gold. As celebrities at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles, CA recognized their peers and celebrated their cinematic achievement, the producers of the Critics Choice Awards show asked award winners and presenters to do the uncommon – to autograph, and then donate, their Celebrity Gift Bags – each valued well over $20,000 – to Operation USA for Tsunami relief in southeast Asia.
The autographed Critics Choice Awards Gift Bags, sponsored by TRIMSPA and WINFUEL, will be auctioned on eBay with all proceeds going to Operation USA. Founded by Julie Andrews and Blake Edwards, Operation USA has garnered a reputation for innovation, care, and speed in sending relief flights, and sea and land shipments to countries that have experienced devastating events.
Alex Goen, founder and CEO of TRIMSPA, said, “These Gift Bags are highly valued. To give them up is one thing, but to autograph the bag in an effort to increase its value and the potential price fetched at auction, is remarkable. I am so pleased that we were a part of this event and could play a small role in the effort.” Goen was so moved by the celebrity generosity that, in appreciation, he had his company immediately issue each donator a personalized VIP Pit Pass to any NASCAR® Busch® Series race.
Among those who have contributed to the Tsunami relief fund are the Broadcast Critics’ Association and WINFUEL ®. Behind the scenes, honorees and guests visited the Winner’s Circle in the Gift Bag Showroom and autographed the hood of the #32 WINFUEL® / TRIMSPA Chevrolet. Signatures collected included: Eric McCormack, Tom Cruise, Maria Bello, Gerald Butler, David Duchovny, Tara Reid, George Lopez, Andy Garcia, Lauren Graham, Marcia Gay Harden, Regina King, Christina Lahti, William H. Macy, Virginia Madsen, Jamie Foxx, Chad Michael Murray, Tim Robbins, David Spade, Jon Voight, Treat Williams, and Emmy Rossum.
The Broadcast Film Critics’ Association (BFCA) paid tribute to some of Hollywood’s finest talent, with awards presented to: “Sideways” for Best Picture, Jamie Fox for Best Actor, Hilary Swank for Best Actress, Thomas Haden Church for Best Supporting Actor, Virginia Madsen for Best Supporting Actress, and Tom Cruise recipient of the Distinguished Career Achievement in Performing Arts Award.