Lox & Loaded, in collaboration with Gun Tote'n Mamas® (GTM), will host nationally recognized law enforcement professional, firearms and self-defense instructor Donna Anthony for three specialized training workshops October 17–18. The sessions will give members the opportunity to learn directly from Anthony, whose more than 20 years of law enforcement and security experience inform a practical, education-first approach to off-body carry and personal defense.
"I want my members to have the best possible gear on the market, and GTM is just that," said Gayle Pearlstein, co-founder and COO of Lox & Loaded and owner of Lucky Star Tactical. "GTM is high quality and tactically functional for every Lox & Loaded member who wishes to carry. It's very important to us that our members have a clear and easy path for training and training gear. The team at GTM believes in our mission and stands with the community. We at Lox & Loaded are proud and grateful for this opportunity to partner and have the expertise of Ms Anthony for these classes."
A key part of Anthony's instruction is helping participants understand what makes a carry system effective for them. Attendees are encouraged to bring the purses, bags and carry systems they already use. As part of the class, Anthony evaluates what works and teaches participants what to consider when selecting equipment for themselves. GTM will also provide its assortment to test and train with.
"I am excited to bring Point Blank's training to the Chicago area. Our synagogue safety and security class is especially meaningful to me" says Donna Anthony, CEO, owner Point Blank Firearms & Self Defense training, Alaska. "Houses of worship should be places where people can gather in peace. Preparation helps them to protect that space. We'll focus on recognizing potential threats, making a practical response plan and helping people act together if an emergency occurs." Anthony continues, "Our off-body carry course is designed to empower both women and men who choose to carry concealed in a purse or bag. We'll cover practical considerations for carrying responsibly, keeping the bag secure and accessing it when needed. I am grateful to Lox & Loaded and GTM helping us to bring both classes to the community".
Lox & Loaded has grown into a nationwide community with more than 1,800 members across 61 locations, making access to training and appropriate equipment an important part of its mission. "This partnership between GTM and Lox & Loaded is of high value because of not just the products, but the teams behind the partnership," Pearlstein said. "This right here is what community looks like."
Anthony currently serves as a police chief in Alaska and brings more than two decades of law enforcement and security experience to her instruction. Her distinguished career includes 13 Awards, including Award for Valor and 35 professional certifications. During her time with the Palmer Police Department, Anthony served as a Field Training Officer and worked as an investigator assigned to the Alaska State Trooper Statewide Drug Task Force in an undercover capacity, serving as a case officer in multiple state and federal investigations that includes human trafficking.
The workshops will be held October 17-18 at Lox & Loaded in Itasca, Illinois and include:
- Saturday, October 17
- Purse, Bag & Sling: How to use Your Conceal Carry and Personal Defense | 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
- Sunday, October 18
- Lox & Loaded - Synagogue Safety & Security | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Purse, Bag & Sling: How to use Your Conceal Carry and Personal Defense | 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
As part of the partnership, Lox & Loaded members receive 20% off all the GTM Original collection of concealed-carry bags.
For more detailed information about each class and sign up, visit Donna's website at https://www.pointblankak.com/.
"Gun Tote'n Mamas® could not be more excited and honored to see these two important forces come together for training that is so relevant to our communities today," said Claudia Chisholm, president and co-founder of Gun Tote'n Mamas®. "A special shoutout and thank you to Ann Smith, editor-in-chief of NRAWomen.com, whose recent feature on Lox & Loaded first brought their work to my attention. I hope this collaboration inspires our dealer network to bring more educational opportunities like these to their own communities. It's good business, but more importantly, it shows customers that you genuinely care about their education, preparedness and safety."
As a longtime champion of women's protection, Gun Tote'n Mamas® remains committed to designing stylish, functional products that inspire confidence and preparedness. For more information, visit gtmoriginal.com or call 847-446-0700 Ext. 105.
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About Gun Tote'n Mamas®: Since 2009, Gun Tote'n Mamas® has been a champion in women's protection. As an affordable line of concealed carry leather purses and handbags, inspired and developed by women, for women, GTM creates reliable, durable products designed to carry all kinds of self-defense tools. Its parent company, Kingport Industries LLC, is 100% American women owned and operated. Each GTM product is tested by certified instructors in elite training facilities, including CSI, FBI and Navy SEALs. Visit gtmoriginal.com.