Long a staple at Hollywood galas and awards shows, gifting lounges have now evolved into “giving” lounges. Gavin Keilly is the pioneer behind this push for nonprofits. GBK‘s giving lounges have donated or raised over $10 million in products and services since 2004.
Moreover, giving lounges have connected celebrities and organizations, resulting in the stars presenting awards at the event or even lending their names and faces to PSAs.
Eric Stonestreet and with president of Cancer Cares and guests.
More than 50 nonprofit groups have participated in GBK’s giving lounges since their debut. In recognition of their excellence, GBK has won numerous awards from Biz Bash for the Best Gift Suite, and Gavin Keilly has been honored as Humanitarian of the Year for his continual philanthropic work.
Gavin Keilly with actor Jeremy Irons
GBK has been able to drive the evolution of gifting lounges to giving lounges due to one simple fact: the sterling reputation of its events. The gifts themselves come from well-known, high-quality brands, but in addition, the suites themselves are hosted in five-star properties in welcoming settings with thoughtful handlers who help with the big bags inevitably filled with luxurious vacations, opulent jewelry, high-caliber skin care, and more.
Jamie Foxx and Joe Jonas at a GBK gifting lounge
GBK boasts exemplary loyalty among its brands. Though the same brands may not show up at every event, they can be counted on to attend two or three suites each year to maintain interest via press mentions and photos in social media.
Neil Patrick Harris and Rachel Ray at GBK gift lounge
GBK’s loyal brands include LG Electronics, LifeCell skin care, and Pilot Pen, all of which have been a part of more than 10 lounges over the last five years.
Actress Jane Lynch with Pilot Pen
At the same time, smaller, more niche brands such as Artisan Group, Ike’s Sandwiches, and Revitalash have clocked similar numbers, as they have enjoyed a strong return on investment from their participation.
Check out this video to get an insiders look:
Many brands have gravitated toward GBK in the hopes of being discovered by celebrities and influencers — and chances are good it will happen. At a GBK Lounge, brands get invaluable access and opportunity for one-on-one, face-to-face interactions with stars who may be able to take their name and products to the next level.
Gavin Keilly, with Usher and Sugar Ray at Annual Gala for Diabetes
In addition, dozens of press outlets cover the lounges, so the brand can get an extra boost from the likes of US Weekly, OK!, LA Times, People, Huffington Post, and many others.
Serina Williams
GBK Productions is the brainchild of Gavin Keilly, the founder and CEO. GBK Productions has in turn branched into GBK Weddings and GBK Public Relations. A native of Southern California, Gavin has set up an array of special events for the entertainment industry and the nonprofit sector, and he’s recognized widely for his celebrity gift suites. Gavin is deeply involved in each event, looking at the entire scope of the assignment to determine the design that will best embody the client’s vision.
Cast of Shark Tank at a GBK event
Clients and attendees alike can always expect an impressive, imaginative event staffed with the best brands and backed with expert caterers, sound engineers, venue reps, rental companies, and printers. In the end, all you need to know is that the event will look like and everyone will walk away feeling like a million bucks.
Melissa McCarthy at a GBK Emmy event
Past clients include: ABC Studios, City of Hope, Elton John AIDS Foundation, EXTRA TV, Global Peace Initiative at the United Nations, Hollywood Jazz Festival, Jurlique Spa, MTV Studios, Paramount Pictures, So the World May Hear, Showtime, Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Foundation, Steve Harvey Show, Tribute to Jerry Lewis, and many other marquee names.
Go to GBK’s website for more info or to see how you can be involved: GBK Productions
