By Juan Markos
Beverly Hills, CA, (The Hollywood Times) 7/16/2025 On Wednesday, July 15th, I attended GBK’s 2025 Pre-ESPY Awards Longevity Talent Lounge, hosted at Sydenham Clinic in Beverly Hills, California. The event brought together top athletes, celebrities, influencers, and me!
Better U was on-site, sharing information about their innovative telehealth treatments, including ketamine, which has been a significant topic in the medical community. In keeping with GBK’s strong tradition of giving back, several nonprofit organizations were present to educate guests and raise awareness for their causes. These included the Luskin Orthopedic Institute for Children, which provides expert pediatric orthopedic care regardless of financial need; the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, the largest independent nonprofit drug education program globally; and Food on Foot, a nonprofit dedicated to offering meals, clothing, life skills training, employment, and housing support to low-income residents of Los Angeles. Philanthropy remains a core value for GBK Brand Bar CEO Gavin Keilly, who has helped raise over $10 million for various charities through his lounges.
Celebrities and I received our own gift bags, which included a variety of items. Uovo showcased their ultramodern and comfortable shoes, and I had the chance to meet the Pepper Pong King. I received my very own Pepper Pong set—it’s a portable hybrid of pickleball and ping pong—and I can’t wait to play it! Additionally, I got a backpack purse by Loungefly and chose my favorite sports team-themed bag: the Lakers. Nucleus was also there, offering genetic testing, which I am really excited about. Being adopted, there’s so much I don’t know about my family or genetic history, so I can’t wait for my results.
Most importantly, I met Gavin B. Keilly, the man behind GBK. He shared his journey, how the idea for his company came about, and how he accidentally discovered the formula for showcasing brands while supporting great causes, which is what these events are all about.
GBK Brand Bar is a luxury lifestyle gifting and special events company that specializes in entertainment marketing integration. Founded in 2002 by Gavin Keilly, GBK is widely recognized in the entertainment industry for adding a distinctive touch to the luxury lounge experience. The company offers clients a comprehensive range of marketing services designed to enhance brand presence and engagement. For more information about Gavin Keilly or GBK, please visit their website www.gbkbrandbar.com
