Latest news with #SweetEscape
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Indiana Pacers step up after local mom-and-pop bakery tricked by a scammer who was posing as a team executive
The Sweet Escape Cake Company in Indianapolis is warning other small businesses of new scam tactics after they were duped by a fraudster pretending to be connected to the Indiana Pacers. Styles McCorkle, a Sweet Escape employee, told local news station Fox 59 that the business was contacted by email, with the scammer pretending to be Dean Heaviland, the vice president of operations for Pacers Sports and Entertainment. As their company had done work for the Pacers before, and other teams such as the Fever and Indianapolis Colts, the email didn't seem suspicious. The scammer offered the company a vendor booth at Game 4, and Sweet Escape's owner reports that between labor and supplies, they spent $4,000 on preparing, only to find they got duped. Here's how Sweet Escape was duped, and how you can avoid similar scams. The Indianapolis Pacers experienced an unprecedented surge in ticket demand following their remarkable showing in the NBA finals. On June 19, the team delivered a memorable performance in Game 6, which led to the first Game 7 finals matchup in nearly ten years. Despite their valiant effort, the Pacers ultimately fell short against the Oklahoma City Thunder in a closely contested championship decider. The opportunity to have a booth at a major game was too good to pass up, according to Sweet Escape employees. What's more, the scammer offered the booth for only $400. 'So, we were super excited for an opportunity like this,' McCorkle said. 'So next day, we take that opportunity and decide we are going to go through with it, paid our invoice for the spot and everything, nothing was too inconvenient.' Upon replying to the email to inquire about their booth location, they received a bounce-back notification. They soon realized they had fallen victim to a scam perpetrated by someone impersonating Dean Heaviland. The business had already prepared numerous Pacers-themed treats, adding significant strain to their already busy schedule of Father's Day orders. 'I came into work the next day, I was devastated,' McCorkle said. 'Like we were really excited to have this opportunity to put our face out there and be in front of Gainbridge Fieldhouse.' The disappointment at Sweet Escape didn't last long. Upon learning about the situation, Pacers executives stepped in and purchased all the Game 4 products that had been prepared. This generous move ensured the small, family-owned bakery wouldn't suffer any financial losses. 'It gives me goosebumps because when my dad told me the next day, 'Hey, by the way, I just got off the phone, Megan said they are going to buy everything,' it was like a weight lifted off the chest and none of it was in vain,' McCorkle said. 'We even got refunded for our initial deposit so, it was only gain.' 'For an organization as big as the Pacers to care about a small business like us, and have that attention, like 'Hey we understand the situation, we like you guys already, so we are going to take this off of your hands, like whoever did the scam, thank you for that,' McCorkle said. 'Like, it worked out for us in the end.' Today's fraudsters employ increasingly advanced techniques. In this incident, the scammer exploited Sweet Escape's existing relationship with the Pacers to appear legitimate. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), criminals frequently impersonate trusted contacts, making it essential to verify email addresses against previous communications from your clients or business partners. To confirm someone's identity, consider requesting a phone conversation or in-person meeting to ensure you're communicating with an authentic representative. The FTC also advises small business owners that scammers will often ask for payment through unusual means, such as wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Asking for payment in this way is a red flag, especially from an established company. Scammers create a false sense of urgency to force quick decisions. In the Sweet Escape incident, the fraudster leveraged the upcoming Game 4 as pressure, possibly claiming the vendor booth would be reassigned if the team didn't act immediately. This pressure tactic prevents victims from carefully considering the situation. In contrast, legitimate business relationships typically provide reasonable timeframes for decision-making without applying excessive pressure. To protect your small business from scams, it's essential to stay informed about the latest fraud prevention guidance from government agencies and ensure all staff members receive comprehensive training on recognizing scam attempts. Many businesses that fall victim to fraudsters don't recover as successfully as Sweet Escape did. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
New York Post
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
How to hang in the Hamptons with your kiddos
Cocktail parties, fund-raisers, indecipherable polo exhibitions (what's a chukka anyway?), seated dinners among fragile fine art . . . the Hamptons can be one long (boring) adult conversation. Too often, kids are banished to the great lawn or shackled to their nannies. So what's in an East End weekend for the brood? As it turns out, more than ever. 'When we opened in 2005, there wasn't a lot for families on the East End of Long Island,' said Lara Sweeney, co-president of the Children's Museum of the East End in Bridgehampton. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the CMEE has become the out east hub for all things kiddo, with a nine-hole mini golf course and 7,000 square feet of indoor fun (like, ships to explore, a windmill, a library, art studio and a lot more). 3 The CMEE is maturing fast, turning 20 this year. Children's Museum of the East End This season, it has a new, 9,000-square-foot ultra deluxe playground tricked out with trails, ramps, swings and abstract climbing structures by Berliner playground equipment. It's designed by award-winning playground creator SPEC Play, along with landscape architects LaGuardia Design Group and Hampton Yards Landscaping, aiming to get kids off of their stunting screens and out into nature. Entrance to the museum is $19 per person. 'We also offer social services,' said Sweeney. 'During COVID, we started a food pantry that's still running biweekly. In the evening, we have classes like English as a second language for Spanish-speaking kids. So we're more than a museum.' To support them and the community, bring Jack and Jill to the 15th annual Family Fair, July 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This year's theme is Sweet Escape and it features oodles of arts, crafts, water play, live entertainment, food trucks and, of course, candy. Proceeds benefit the food pantry, provide camp scholarships and support outreach initiatives. Tickets start at $125. But wait — any Swifties in the house? There's more! 'We've got a summer camp and all that stuff,' said Sweeney. 'But we also do this really cool Taylor Swift Experience. It's a Taylor Swift cover band concert at the museum . . . like a cute little mini concert in our outdoor amphitheater, and we usually do the bracelet or T-shirt making. We'll have food trucks and ice cream.' That's July 8. 3 Enjoy big-name concerts at Canoe Place Inn & Cottages. Coffeehouse Collective In fact, concerts are one of the best recurring family activities on the East End for airing out your little showoffs. Over in Hampton Bays, Canoe Place Inn & Cottages has a talent-packed summer concert series set in the historic Grand Ballroom. Come for names such as Aimee Mann, Graham Nash and Rufus Wainwright. Families won't want to miss a special performance from indie bands Guster and the Mountain Goats Aug. 3. Most shows are open to all ages, and children 6 and under are free. If you're new to the area or a fresh pledge to the parental order, you'll want to hook up with similarly burdened (we mean blessed) adults. That's why this season, Sharon Feiereisen has launched her Mom Club in the Hamptons. 'When I moved to New York, every 'mom' you met was really a nanny. It was super miserable,' she recalled. 'So I started planning events for moms to do stuff with their kids and get to know each other.' 3 Workouts for moms only at Tremble studio, courtesy of the Mom Club. Captured Memories Photography In a very Hamptons, very 21st-century twist on the Tupperware party, Feiereisen also saw an opportunity to get top brands involved in her supportive network of influential moms. Reebok, La Roche-Posay, Slumberkins, Terez and Carbon38 have all sponsored get-togethers. Now, during weekly East End events (kicking off June 28), the club will host mom-only workouts at Tremble studio in Bridgehampton. Better still, Carbon38 is dressing the ladies, while Almla Active provides grippy socks. But don't worry, dads, some events — like a workout at Barry's in Southampton in July — are open to fathers and every event comes with a gift bag. At Sole East resort, she's also arranging workouts for moms in any stage of motherhood — pregnancy and beyond. 'It's an opportunity for moms to bring their kids and work out with their babies and toddlers,' something most gyms, most of the time, won't allow, she said. 'We will be teaming up with fitness pros that specialize in teaching moms, like Rachel Feldman and Revolution Motherhood. We're also teaming up with so many amazing brands like Belly Bandit, Tate's, Nyssa, Souls LA, Gaiam and so many more to pamper the women.' 'You can go to any restaurant at 5 p.m., when they open, and it is acceptable to bring your children, period. It doesn't matter if it's Bilboquet or if it's Sag Pizza.' Kelly Piccinnini, owner of Hamptons institution Clam Bar Finally, she's organizing educational talks for moms from local experts, like sleep consultant Heather Cartier. Moreover, parenting on the East End doesn't mean you have to sacrifice all the things you love about these glittering shores. 'You can go to any restaurant at 5 p.m., when they open, and it is acceptable to bring your children, period. It doesn't matter if it's Bilboquet or if it's Sag Pizza,' said Kelly Piccinnini, a local mom to 4- and 6-year-old boys who runs Hamptons institution Clam Bar when she isn't putting out fires. 'No parent wants to settle and go to like, no offense, a diner. Just because you have children shouldn't mean you compromise on the environment or the quality of the experience.' At Clam Bar, she's added a family dining area to keep kids from crowding neighboring tables and activities like corn hole and oversize Connect Four to keep little hands busy. The Crow's Nest in Montauk and Moby's in East Hampton are two other family favorites with plenty of outdoor space to run and play. 'At Moby's, they have these art sculptures that were not intended for children to climb on, but inevitably they do, and it's accepted that's what it is,' she said. 'My suggestion is just to go early, make a reservation, and tell them you need a high chair if that's what you need.' Finally, don't forget why people started coming to the Hamptons in the first place: The great outdoors. The Hamptons are brimming with coast sanctuaries and beautiful trails. For instance, near the CMEE in Bridgehampton, the South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center has a marine touch tank with sea stars, crabs, urchins and whelks, plus terrariums and aquariums featuring local wildlife. There's also a native butterfly garden, wildflower garden, educational pond, purple martin nesting site and nature walks through the 40-acre Vineyard Field Preserve with a 6-mile trail system ($10 per adult, $7 children 3-12; 2 years and under are free). 'Kids love it because they can see little sea animals and creatures and learn a lot of things about wildlife,' said Piccinnini. 'There's also the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge with walks in Noyack and a local duck pond in East Hampton.' And of course, lest you forget why homes cost upward of $100 million out here, there's miles upon miles of stunning sandy beaches. 'We take our children to the beach more than anything else. I mean, right? It's the beach,' said Piccinnini.
New York Post
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Gwen Stefani snubs ex Gavin Rossdale in Father's Day post dedicated to Blake Shelton
A shady Father's Day. Gwen Stefani left her ex-husband and the father of her children, Gavin Rossdale, out of her Father's Day post on Instagram Sunday. Instead, the 'Sweet Escape' singer, 55, honored her husband, Blake Shelton, and her dad, Dennis Stefani. Advertisement 11 Gwen Stefani with Blake Shelton and her three sons. Gwen Stefani/Instagram 11 Gwen Stefani's parents with her sons. Gwen Stefani/Instagram 11 Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton with two of her sons. Gwen Stefani/Instagram Advertisement 'Happy Father's day Dad and @blakeshelton!! we love u so much 💙✨,' Stefani captioned her post, which included multiple pictures of Shelton and Dennis with her sons Kingston, 19, Zuma, 16, and Apollo, 11. In the comments, some fans called out that Rossdale, 59, was snubbed from the tribute. 11 Gavin Rossdale, Gwen Stefani at the 2000 Radio Music Awards. Getty Images 'Poor Gavin,' one fan wrote. Advertisement 'Hilarious that every year she never wishes Gavin Rossdale a happy Father's Day,' another fan said. Someone else wrote, 'Man I wonder what Gavin did to leave your heart so badly. It's sad in a way but glad to see happiness in your life with a person that knew how to value you.' 11 Gavin Rossdale with his sons. gavinrossdale/Instagram Stefani and the Bush frontman began dating in 1995 and tied the knot in 2002. Advertisement After welcoming three sons together, the couple announced their divorce in 2015 following rumors that Rossdale allegedly cheated on Stefani with their nanny. 11 Gavin Rossdale, Gwen Stefani at the Pacific Design Center in 2003. WireImage Shortly before the divorce was finalized, the No Doubt frontwoman began dating Shelton, 48, after meeting on 'The Voice.' The country singer was going through his own split from wife Miranda Lambert at the time. Stefani and Shelton got engaged in 2020 and exchanged vows the following year. In 2023, Stefani opened up about her 'terrible' split from Rossdale in a candid interview with People. 11 Gwen Stefani in a selfie with Blake Shelton and two of her kids. Gwen Stefani/Instagram 11 Gwen Stefani with her parents. Gwen Stefani/Instagram 'Everybody pretty much knows that at one point my life fell apart,' she said. Advertisement 'When that happened, I had to literally start over again,' Stefani added. 'It was a reset of my life.' Rossdale, for his part, reflected on his marriage to Stefani in an exclusive interview with The Post last year. 11 Gavin Rossdale visits SiriusXM Studio in NYC in 2011. Getty Images 'We had an amazing time, you know?' said Rossdale. 'It's crazy how life works out, and how [there was] all that — and then nothing. It's incredible.' Advertisement Rossdale went on to call his and Stefani's sons the 'best gift of life.' 11 Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale attend the City of Hope Spirit of Life Gala in 2014. Angela Weiss 11 Gavin Rossdale with his and Gwen Stefani's sons. gavinrossdale/Instagram Advertisement In March 2024, Rossdale revealed on the 'Amy & T.J.' podcast that he often crosses paths with both Stefani and Shelton at industry events. 'I go to a lot of events where there's 'the other team,' so to speak and I just feel really proud of myself in my consistency as a father,' Rossdale explained. 'I know in my heart that I'm super consistent.'
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pacers assist business that was victimized by NBA Finals scam
For any small business, getting a call from the Indiana Pacers means big business — at least that's what the staff at Sweet Escape Cake Company was expecting when it took a call from a person it thought was a Pacers executive.
What's On
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Last chance: Get your tickets now to Gwen Stefani in Abu Dhabi this Friday
Your sweet escape on Saadiyat is here… Abu Dhabi's favourite show series under the stars has brought some incredible global performers this year for its second season, and setting the stage alight at Saadiyat Nights this Friday, February 21, as part of the event's closing weekend will be US pop superstar Gwen Stefani. Gwen will be bringing a songbook of her stunning hits to town, and this is your last chance to grab tickets to what is all but guaranteed to be a show for the ages. The crowd-puller and hugely entertaining pop sensation has dominated radio waves for decades with singles such as Hollaback Girl, Hey Baby , Cool , Sweet Escape (ft. Akon) , 4 in the Morning and many more – and now, you'll be able to catch these chart-topping tunes live on stunning Saadiyat Island in the company of none other than Gwen herself. Sing along to chartbusting hits as the second edition of Saadiyat Nights rolls to a close this weekend, with Abu Dhabi's gorgeous cooler weather along for the ride. On either side of Stefani's super show this weekend will be a sellout performance by another industry icon, Jennifer Lopez tonight, before generational legend and four-time Grammy winner Lionel Richie takes to the stage on Saturday evening to belt out superhits such as All Night Long and Hello, before the curtains fall on this year's edition of one of the classiest show series to come to the UAE. The story thus far has been no less impressive, with adored performers including Canadian crooner Michael Bublé and pop superstar Christina Aguilera bringing the star power to the capital in the weeks past. Grab your tickets now. We'll see you there… Gwen Stefani Live, Saadiyat Nights, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Friday February 21, from Dhs295. Images: supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
