CJ's Stix - Chocolate Dipped Pretzels Hand Rolled In English Toffee

I don't spend lots of time in Southern California, but after our last trip to LA, we might need to share more love in LA - the CJ's Bitz love that is....

CJ's Bitz was one of the 20 vendors that participated in the 2009 Silver Spoon Dog and Baby Buffet. I know, you are thinking - dogs, babies and CJ's Bitz - how does that all fit together? There is a whole world down in LA that I was unaware of - its the world of celebrity gifting. I know, many of you have said to me "really, celebrities getting free stuff, can't they afford to buy it".

Before I tell you more about the event - let me tell you the reality of the game with a "real scene - not played by actors" - popular celebrity actor "Jai" tries your product, really loves it (not just saying it ... I know they are actors), has a long conversation with you on ideas of marketing, they would love to give out as holiday gifts, guess what - "I have a good friend that works on the Ellen show - I can't wait to tell them about it - Ellen HAS to try these", gives you personal email, takes a picture holding your product, he gets a couple boxes of CJ's Bitz to take home...and hopefully the story ends as happily ever after!

Now I get to use the pictures, quotes, follow up on email and more - the power of celebrity endorsements and connections - it really only takes one. Look at Oprah, she eats, reads, wears or looks at something and it rises to the top. How can I help tell the world how good our treats are? This is one way - Celebrity Events.

So, back to the event....The Silver Spoon Dog and Baby Buffet. The event had a focus on Dog products and Baby products, but also showcased some fabulous gourmet chocolate products (okay - that was me!). Celebrities came with babies (both in hand and in-utero) and dogs. The event was co-sponsored by the Bailey Baio Angel Foundation - a non-profit that seeks to raise awareness and offer support to families with children suffering from organic acidemia metabolic disorders - money was raised as a donation to this charity!

20 Vendors - Celebrities, press and other people in the So.Cal scene ascended on the Hyatt in Century City. They moved from booth to booth, talking with the vendors, trying the products and picking out what they would take home. I was pleasantly surprised at the thoughtful and appreciative approach that they took chatting with us, many talking about future opportunities. Some of the highlights and celebrities of the day included:

Jason Priestly (and his sweet wife Naomi), Scott Baio, Alexander DiPersia, Caroline D'Amore, Jai Rodriguez, Tara Reid, Ali Landry, Samantha Harris, Sam Ruben, Mayim Bialik, April O'Brien, Natasha Alam, Shondrella Avery, Candice Cayne, Beverley Mitchell, Pascal Mouawad, Brittny & Lisa Gastineau, Lynn Curin and Jason Hervey.

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