Oscar Event honors a veteran event producer in memoriam at Luxury Gifting suite

March 15th 2024, Los Angeles-The Awards season is a great time to celebrate art but this year, one group hosted an Oscar gifting lounge in memory of beloved Hollywood publicist Doris Bergman. Nicole Lester and Heather Marianna, founders of The Merritt + Marianna Group hosted IGNITE, A Fire Luxury Gifting Lounge on Thursday, March 7, 2024, from 10 AM to 5 PM, at The Ambrose Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel in Santa Monica. 

Doris Bergman, a longtime Hollywood publicist known for including foster children at her Emmy and Oscar gifting lounges, passed away tragically a year ago with her husband, Albert Sassoe Jr., in a house fire. Nicole and Heather hosted IGNITE in her memory as well as celebrated the brilliance of actors,writers and producers this Oscar Awards season. The gifting lounge was like no other- it featured a unique array for luxury brands in beauty, wellness, skincare, publishing and so much more.

Beauty featured heavily at the gifting suite with guests being gifted products from brands such as: ATA Cosmetics, Camilla Seretti Jewelry, Beauty Kitchen, Farah Brushes, Blanche Lip Gloss, Marrisa's brow and Beauty bar, Royal King's Skincare, Libra Lash and Lip company and Barbie Layton.

Among the participating beverage brands were decadent tequila from Dulce Vida Tequila, revitalizing water from Ophora Water, creative gin from Empress Gin, exquisite Bulgarian Vodka from Precious Vodka and smooth coffee from Hidden Hills Coffee. Other interesting gifts included a bespoke Men's tie from Art Lewin Bespoke Menswear, treats from Chef Evi, Seasoning from DD's Bayou kitchen, books from The Reading room and I am a Quintessential woman.

A surprise hit of the event was the Quantum Energy Wellness Bed, which helps calibrate and elevate your energy and consciousness. It enables guests to receive a 20-minute energy upgrade during the crazy Oscar ward week. Guests were also invited to stay at Casa del Camino, a luxury boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Newport beach.

Renowned culinary genius Chef Katie Chin treated the guests to a great selection of Asian fusion snacks. The DJ played great tunes all day as guests enjoyed cocktails from Empress Gin and Dulce Vida tequila and nibbled on some great culinary treats.

Guest experienced the Quantum Energy Wellness Bed, youthful beauty and make-up products, gourmet Asian-fusion cuisine, signature libations, gifts, and champagne toast all at the same time! They were able to mix and mingle with Oscar Nominees, Previous Nominees and Winners, and Past Presenters. It was a great atmosphere engaging with other high-profile celebrity guests, network with unique sponsors, and indulge in gifts galore!

Andre Notice and Kym Whitely

Doris Bergman used to always tie in her gifting suites with a charity. This event was no different. Guests were invited to support the charitable partners by bringing doggie attire and treats benefiting the Vanderpump Dogs Foundation, the Kids Excelling In College Foundation, and the Business Architects TXG Foundation.All in all, The Merritt and Marianna group hosted a great event for a great cause. Guests had a great time and will look forward to attending their next event.