Palin loads up in free gifts at celeb event

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. -- Sarah Palin showed up at a celebrity gift suite with two daughters, her brother and a small entourage in tow and loaded up with free cosmetic and fashion items being given away in connection with Oscar-week festivities. But she also left a check for charity, organizers say.

Lorna Khoo of Cardstore.com and various other vendors exhibiting their wares at the Silver Spoon gift suite said the former vice presidential candidate visited the suite on Wednesday morning and snapped up organic soaps from Wembe, personalized stationery from Cardstore.com, leopard-print wedge sandals from Bandals, and a slinky robe from Jenna Leigh lingerie.

"I gave the same robe to Jennifer Aniston," said Jenna Leigh, the designer whose label bears her name.

The 46-year-old politician, who was in town to perform a standup routine on Jay Leno's "Tonight" show, also picked up under-eye cream and a deep moisturizer from Bloom cosmetics, according to those present.

"She has great skin," gushed a Bloom rep.

Silver Spoon spokesman Ben Russo said Palin made an unspecified "sizable contribution" to Red Cross Haitian relief before leaving the suite. Although Silver Spoon is not affiliated with the Red Cross, most Hollywood gift suites feature an opportunity for visitors to donate to a charity, if desired.

"Silver Spoon was very grateful (Palin) brought awareness to our Red Cross relief effort," said Russo. "We were happy to supply her and her family with some of our sponsor product."

Gift suites spring up all over town during Hollywood's award season, offering free merchandise to any celebrities who happen to drop by in exchange for the promotional value their star power brings.

Candy Spelling, newly named "Dancing With the Stars" contestant Niecy Nash and actor Jason Priestly also stopped by the Silver Spoon swag suite, held inside a swanky furniture store on Santa Monica Boulevard called Interior Illusions.

Palin aide Jason Recher had no comment.