Local companies to participate in red-carpet gala

Stafford’s Famous Chocolates of Porterville and Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella will be among a limited number of companies whose product will be gifted to celebrities attending an exclusive red-carpet event in late Februrary.  

The first Borgnine Movie Star Gala, An Evening in Honor of Ernest Borgnine, will take place Feb. 23 in Los Angeles.

Borgnine, winner of the 1955 Academy Award for best actor, will be honored annually at the gala with the presentation of the “Ernie.” The Ernie Award will be presented to actors who exemplify all that Borgnine held in high regard in the acting field. Borgnine died in 2012.

The gala will be an invite-only celebrity event with press, red carpet, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music and a short program for charity and award presentation. More than 80 celebrities, including the president of the Screen Actors Guild and representatives with Disney, are expected to attend the event.

The companies’ product will be included in gift bags that will be handed out to those attending the event, said Suzi Picaso, talent executive for the Borgnine Group.

The Tulare County Film Commission will also participate and will provide Bari extra-virgin olive oil and will be in suite to network with film producers and directors, Picaso said.

“Those companies that are attending will get exposure in front of [celebrities]. It’s nice to have representation from the Valley,” Picaso said.