Suzanne De Laurentiis Productions Throws Event at the Universal Hilton

Entertainment, Fashion, Style — By Bernard Samms on April 27, 2021 at 6:00 pm

Universal City, California- On Saturday April 24^th, producer Suzanne De Laurentiis, of Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions, put on an  outstanding soiree and Gifting Suite at the Universal Hilton, “in Honor of Oscar Week,” saluting US Veterans. It also honored four humanitarian community figures, each of them providing services to their own individual communities in exceptional manner. The Honorees were Rosa Macias, a U.S. Veteran and the Veterans Coordinator at the Salem Vet Center where she helps female and homeless veterans; Sasha Anne, an Actress/Beauty Entrepreneur, that recently beat cancer and celebrated by giving back to female veterans with a donation of her Sugar & Spice nail polish line; Aaron Vnuk, a blind filmmaker, who is setting out to bring to light disabilities through film- telling inspirational stories; and Kaitlyn August, a teen advocate for epilepsy awareness and survivor of the 2018 Parkland school shooting. Kaitlyn, spotted on the red carpet, was asked her feelings about being honored at the well-attended event. “Amazing,” said Kaitlyn August. “Because it was actually my dream to walk the red carpet and to be an actor and a model and all that, because my mom did modeling and I did pageants when I was little.  I started drama classes when I was in middle school and I realized that I wanted this to be my dream.”

Spotted at the event, was legendary actress Sally Struthers, of the TV show, “All In The Family.” The Scoop LA Publisher Buddy Sampson, a bass player, composer and performer who is promoting his latest projects, including an upcoming benefit he’s planning, walked the red carpet. He took a photo with Sally Struthers and didn’t realize until later who he was being photographed with. “It was so embarrassing to realize that I was with a Hollywood legend and didn’t recognize her,” laughed Sampson. “Maybe it’s time for that memory stuff they advertise on TV.”

Also spotted at the event was Steve Durland and John Smith of SMKPO Productions, who produced two short films, “The CONsequence,” and “The Last Ride;” Madison Ekstrand of “Very Frightening Tales,” and “The Curse of Stonehill,” two Suzanne De Laurentiis produced films; Brian DeRozan, also of “Very Frightening Tales;” Actress Natalia Bilbao, a sports and action star that has also graced films; and health and fitness advocates such as yoga instructor Gaia Mariani, who was elegant in an amazing flowing evening dress.

Also spotted at the event was Producer/Director/Writer Corey Grant, who has produced and directed several movies, including “Dysfunctional Friends,” which featured Meghan Markle, Lanett Tachel, a hilarious actress and writer that appeared in the film “Illicit,” and the TV show “Pump,” and Christopher Dukes, a financial wizard and actor that emceed the event and also appeared in “Pump.” Entertainment management guru Joy Parris was also spotted at the event.

Patrons, donors, ticket holders and guests were treated to a gifting suite, that had vendors such as Alstelle.com, Mike’s Vegan Fudge, Gohar’s Bakery, Living Fit Nation, Sasha Anne’s Sugar and Spice Nail Polish Collection, True Food Organic, Monat, The Twisted Crown, Forty-Nine Mile, a company that makes spirits, including whiskey and gin; and ChefStew.com, that had chef Robert Stewart with delicious samples of his amazing culinary delights.

 Special thanks to Suzanne De Laurentiis Productions for giving us The Scoop!