Arts & Culture

Mastering the Art of Giving with GBK Productions

Cash for your car

Helen Mirren, Gavin KellyTo the outsider, the world of gift bags and gift suites seems like nothing short of glamorous and luxurious, and that is certainly one side to this award-show staple. But behind the scenes, the movers and shakers are doing more than gathering hot products and schmoozing the stars. For entrepreneurs such as Gavin Keilly of GBK Productions, these gift suites are both the culmination of their hard work and the opportunity to plant the seeds for the next occasion, often in the name of charity. Gavin Keilly has mastered this symbiosis, and in the process, he has both built up his GBK Productions empire and given back to the community at the same time.

If you always assumed that the gifting industry was just about baubles and trinkets, think again. Sure, Gavin and GBK Productions have provided gift bags valued at $40,000 to $50,000 for the Emmy Awards, and they’ve set up equally lavish gift suites for the Oscars and the Grammys. They’ve even provided gifts for TV shows such as The Bachelor, The Tyra Banks Show, and The Steve Harvey Show, as well as Hollywood launch and wrap parties.

But consider, for example, how Gavin got started in the business: he was "discovered" by Sharon Osbourne while he was Director of Development at City of Hope, a leading hospital, research center, and educational institution in Southern California. Sharon Osbourne would turn out to be his company’s first client. After their successful event, word got out on Gavin, and other celebrities and causes took notice, ultimately resulting in today’s GBK Productions.

Terri Polo, Gavin Keilly

When celebrities visit these gift suites, they set in motion a couple of different processes. For starters, they offer the product’s manufacturer a chance to promote their item in association with the celebrity; it’s a marketing bonanza for the company and a great gift for the celebrity.

Unseen to most of us, however, Gavin is getting the ball rolling in another direction at these gift suites. Behind the scenes, he’s meeting and talking with these celebrities, inviting them to his lower-profile (but just as important) charity events. In turn, celebrity participation translates into additional attention and funding for the cause. Though these gift suites aren’t chump change, their values pale in comparison to the amounts – anywhere from $500,000 to $3 to 4 million – raised at Gavin’s charity events. In the end, everyone wins.

In fact, one arm of GBK Productions is dedicated to helping nonprofits. Gavin works with several nonprofit organizations to unearth their needs, wants, and goals. From there, he devises a strategy to reach these ends, often bringing in the connections and celebrities he has secured over the years.

Annette Bening, Gavin Keilly

These achievements are considerable for anyone, but especially so for a kid diagnosed with dyslexia when he was in junior high. Once this discovery was made, Gavin was able to get his life and his quest to make a difference in the life of others back on track. By the time he was in college, he became the Philanthropy Chair. This journey continues with GBK Productions.

GBK Productions

About the author

Jane Emery