gavin keilly

Gavin got involved in the non-profit sector in the year 2000 when he asked himself the million-dollar question, “What do I want to do with my life?” He quickly knew that he wanted to make a difference in the world but didn’t want to be a martyr in the process.

After serving as Director of Development at City of Hope, he soon realized he could help many more causes by starting his own company. His very first event as a new entrepreneur was a fundraiser he produced at Ozzy Osbourne's home with Sir Elton John, honoring Justin Timberlake, Elizabeth Taylor and Tony Bennet performing. The event quickly proved that he could help brands grow, with the help of celebrities, while helping various charitable causes to garner exposure. From this first successful event, GBK Brand Bar was born.

What is now known as “The Celebrity Gift Lounge”, these GBK Brand Bar events typically occur prior to any major award show, like the Emmys, Oscars, Grammys, Golden Globes, or even the Super Bowl. Over the last 20 years, his social venture has conservatively donated at least $5 million in products, services and cash to over 50 different causes. These causes range from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Red Cross, Cancer Cares, Dream Center, Save the Children, Educating Young Minds, and many more. GBK has also been referred to as Giving Back Kindly.

Due to Gavin’s innovative way of creating a social venture in his first attempt at entrepreneurship, successfully contributing tremendous awareness, and producing financial support to so many different charitable programs over the years - we are excited to present our first-ever Be Great! Innovation Award to Gavin Keilly.