Stars love Growing Through Arts® storybooks

On Sept. 16, Growing Through Arts® had its Hollywood debut when we sponsored a pre-Emmy Awards reception at L’Ermitage Beverly Hills Hotel that benefited the Humane Society.

Elizaveta Efimova, who illustrated the books, and I introduced our new line of products at the event, and dozens of stars of current and former TV shows visited our booth to learn more about our storybooks and toys.

Some of the celebrities who attended the event included Ed O’Neil (Modern Family), Betty White (Hot In Cleveland), Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation), Diane Lane (Cinema Verite), Steve Carell (The Office), Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie), Christina Hendricks (Mad Men), Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men), Sofia Vergara (Modern Family) and many more.

Person after person raved about our storybooks, saying they couldn’t wait to show them to their children or nieces and nephews.

One of our favorite guests was 4-year-old actress Aubrey Anderson-Emmons, who plays Lily on Modern Family. She climbed right up onto my lap and asked me to read her one of the books. Aubrey just loved the Nutcracker and kept asking questions about the illustrations while I read. "Why are there mice?" she asked.

Many celebrities also told us how much they love visiting Russia and shared their experiences of filming movies and television shows there.

At the end of the event, each celebrity received a copy of The Nutcracker Ballet by Aleksandra® in their gift bag.

It was so truly exhilarating to meet people that I recognize from TV and get to know them as real people. Everyone was so warm and gracious. I hope we have the chance to return again next year!