Last Wednesday was one of the best days ever. First of all, it was opening day of one of my favorite movies, The Help. Secondly, I got to share the experience with 11 of my besties! Many of you know that I’ve seen this film several times, starting with an advance screening in the private theatre of DreamWorks Studios a few months back. It was GRAND!
But since the movie didn’t open until last week, many of my besties hadn’t seen it yet. A few weeks ago, I invited a few of my favorite folks to the first of a series of events that I’m partnering with Chevrolet on. The series is called, Chevy Conversations with Jewel and will focus on subjects near to my heart, but also relevant in today’s world. Last week’s event focused on The Help, and all of the messages that it entailed.
We met for the first showing of The Help at the AMC Theatres at Aventura Mall. Most of the women didn’t know each other, so they spent a few minutes chatting. I was the most excited because I was the only one who knew everyone and I was thrilled that they were meeting for the first time. The group included:
- Sara Nasca of popchips
- Shirley Waknin of Pure Entertainment, as well as Cravings
- Melanie Cohen of Social Miami
- Jamila Powell of Social Esquires
- Natalie McNeal of TheFrugalista.com
- Victoria Duke of Academy of Glam
- Brenda Tate, a philanthropist from Fort Myers
- Alice Fisher, a freelance publicist
- Tara Rose of Ring Finger Studio
- Sara Shake of Exposed PR & Events
- Samantha Sophia of RaisingChildRaisingSelf.blogspot.com
The theatre was packed, even though it was very early morning. Just as I had predicted, there were tears all around. Several of my guests had read Kathryn Stockett’s book but they were still completely blown away by the film adaptation. Everyone loved it. And, waiting for us outside the theatre were representatives from Nordstrom, who gave us pretty purple totes filled with gifts. The trinkets included a tin of the VERY yummy Bellagio Sipping Chocolate and fragrance/cosmetic samples. LOVED IT!
From there, the group headed down to Bloomingdale’s where the FAB folks at the Bobbi Brown counter HOOKED US UP! What a great group! They touched up everyone’s makeup, gave us application tips, AND handed us ANOTHER bag of goodies that included blush and mascara. Bloomies is such a class act.
By that time, the Chevys were waiting outside and we piled in. I was in the spacious Tahoe and road in style to Star Bistro in Cooper City. Shirley jumped behind the wheel of the Traverse. She’s considering upgrading to a larger car and she LOVED the Traverse. Star Bistro outdid themselves. First off, they shut down the entire restaurant. We had the place to ourselves. Then the wait staff started bring out delectables. Things like banana crusted goat cheese and spinach/strawberry salad. It was DIVINE!
Before we ate, I went around the table and introduced each Bestie, telling a little about her and how I came to know her. And then, we dove into deep conversation about the movie. Can I just tell you that I could have sat there for the rest of the day, listening to that conversation? Everyone brought a different perspective to the table (literally), and all opinions were duly noted. The discussion was EXACTLY what I had envisioned in putting the event together.
I also went through the gift bags that I had provided to each woman, acknowledging all the cool swag. The bag itself was gifted to us by Aventura Mall. Then, there were The Help tees and goodies from DreamWorks Studios. There were new Orville Redenbacher Pop Up Bowls. The crowd favorite was the new Sea Jewels “Star” fragrance and shower gel from the Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau and Luxury Avenue. I hope to visit the Luxury Avenue mall when I’m in Cancun later this month. Chevy also provided a copy of the book, The Help, to each attendee–as well as water bottles and car kits. Kiss/Broadway Nails gave us cute little nail kits–LOVED those too! Another way cool product was Dream Water, the first water to actually help you relax and fall asleep. And, my friends at Panera Bread included coupons in the bag. More Swag and More Swag. Finally, we all headed down to Academy of Glam where we got a quick tour by Victoria and said our goodbyes.
I can’t WAIT to do this again. Stayed tuned for more about the next Chevy Conversation with Jewel! Check out the pics!
Disclosure: This event was supported by DreamWorks Studios, Chevrolet, Bloomingdale’s, The Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau, Panera Bread, Academy of Glam, Luxury Avenue, popchips, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Orville Redenbacher, Kiss/Broadway Nails, Aventura Mall, AMC Theatres, Dream Water, and Nordstrom, among others.
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Looks like you all had a fabulous time!
This looks as if you all had a blast! Very nice pics. Keep up the good work. You give great information with much enthusiasm. I also went to the help early thinking to avoid the crowds. It was SRO, but so much fun. Thank you for informing me or a great book and movie.