Skyy Vodka Media Lounge is the Place to Be

As Toronto tackles the myriad velvet ropes and social snafus of the Toronto International Film Festival, NKPR's IT Lounge is a smart and chic haven for industry insiders and celebrities seeking refuge from the circus. This is where young celebs cut their teeth on the festival circuit, while more seasoned TIFF veterans have their people do the drop in. Young Hollywood is often spotted at the IT Lounge soaking up the pampering and doing a little celebrating of their own before their big night.

Voted one of the best spots for media of the 2008 festival, the media centre at the 2009 IT Lounge is reincarnated as the fun and funky Skyy Vodka Media Lounge (www.skyy.ca). From September 10th-16th, journalists and celebs can login, chill out and take a sanity break. Surf the web and check emails at high quartz tables with technology stations. Get into zen-mode and relax at the bar or get a personal reading from the IT Lounge's resident psychic, Robin Cleland.

Celebrity guest that dropped in: Paul Haggis, Olivia Wilde, the entire crew from So You Think You Can Dance Canada, Jason Bateman, Marlon Wayans, Sissy Spacek, Saukrates, James Purefoy, Divine Brown, Kat Dennings, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Jennifer Garner, Russell Peters, Kyle MacLaghlan, Ivana Santilli, Marci Playground, Edward Norton, Ricky Gervais, Kardinal Offishal, Samantha Morton, Kristin Booth, Colin Mochrie, Deb McGrath, Eva Avilla, Lyriq Bent, Monika Schnarre, Caitlin Cronenberg, Lisa Ray, Verne Mini-Me Troyer, Terry Gilliam and many, many more!

IT Lounge participating brands Fila, Brooks, Teva, Goody, Please Mum, Kiehl's, Richart Chocolate, J. Rox Originals by Jane Apor, SoU!, Penny Protein Plan, SKYY Vodka, Universal Music, and Sharpie will make significant contributions to a dozen charities by raising funds and awareness for a number of important causes including Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto, Camp Oochigeas, SoU! Foundation, SickKids Foundation, Girls on the Run, World Vision, KidsFest Reading and Running Club, ParticipACTION, WaterKeeper Alliance, Canadian Cancer Society, and Artists for Peace and Justice.

Transformed by Liberty Village's casalife furniture (www.casalife.com), the media lounge will include light colours, natural wood, leather sofas and chairs. Recognized for condo makeovers, casalife will create a multifunctional space for work and play.

NKPR is breaking new ground as the first gifting suite in North America to have each and every sponsor contribute to a charity or cause. In the current economic climate, charities are feeling the financial pinch more than ever and are experiencing serious fundraising challenges. The IT Lounge has created an innovative incentive for celebrities to give back to charities and causes as every celebrity that visits the IT Lounge will directly impact and benefit our community. As a part of sponsor involvement, the brands will raise funds and awareness for a dozen important causes. Participating sponsors include FILA, Kiehl's, Goody, Brooks, J.Rox and more. The 12 charities that will benefit include World Vision, Camp Oochigeas, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Kidsfest, Girls on the Run and a new charity founded by Oscar-winning Director Paul Haggis, Artists for Peace and Justice.

Every day from 3pm to 6pm Skyy Vodlka happy hour will be in full effect. In keeping with their film premiere tradition, SKYY Vodka has created film festival specialty cocktails. This year's cocktails have been inspired by top Canadian film talent with films at the festival this year including Ellen Page (Whip It!, Drew Barrymore's directorial debut), Lisa Ray (Cooking with Stella) and Sandra Oh (Defendor).

SKYY VODKA's EXCLUSIVE FILM FEST COCKTAILS

SKYY Page Pucker
1 oz. SKYY Vodka
2 oz .Pink Grapefruit Dole Sparkler
Pour SKYY Vodka into chilled martini glass.
Top off with Pink Grapefruit Dole Sparkler. Garnish with a raspberry.

SKYY Ray of Light
1 oz. SKYY Vodka
1 oz. X-Rated Fusion Liqueur
1.5 oz. Dole Pineapple Passion Mango juice
Pour SKYY Vodka and X-Rated Fusion Liqueur into chilled martini glass. Top off with Dole Pineapple Passion Mango juice. Garnish with a piece of pineapple.

SKYY COh"conut Dream
.5 oz. SKYY Vodka
1 oz. Amarula
1 oz. Coconut water
Shake SKYY Vodka, Amarula and Coconut water with ice cubes.
Pour into chilled martini glass and garnish with coconut shavings.

Si Si Penaloza
		About the author:
		Si Si has cultivated strong ties with editors, producers and publishers at all major Canadian media outlets. She is a seasoned print, radio and broadcast specialist. Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Bowdoin College in Maine, Si Si moved to Manhattan to study Film at New York University. Her strengths lie in contextualizing relevant content for a broad audience. She's driven to stay competitive and at the top of the market - commissioning exclusive features and launching bold initiatives.
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