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Men Who Make Difference: Keith Watson
Gainesville is lucky to have a resident like Keith Watson. He has a ‘heart of gold,’ genuine smile, and zest for helping major fund-raising events succeed. The former New Yorker stages enchanting and spectacular evenings that take people to far-away places and exceed everyone’s expectations. Nowadays, galas and balls in Gainesville have all the glamour and glitz of a big city.
Watson is the creative force behind Keith Watson Productions Inc., and his expertise shines at events such as Puttin’ on the Ritz, the Heart Ball, the Noche de Gala, the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Gala and the Climb For Cancer gala, just to name a few.
By taking special care to insure that each event is unique and spectacular, Watson does what he does best, and it all comes from the heart. “In addition to his talent, Keith is a kind, generous and good-hearted man who genuinely cares about making our life better for people in our community,” Ron Farb, co-founder of Climb for Cancer Foundation, said.
After an extensive career in the performing arts in New York City, Watson and his wife, Roberta, formed Keith Watson Productions Inc., a special event design and production company. A few of his numerous career highlights include staging events for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Bankers Trust (Deutche Bank) on Wall Street, Callaway Gardens resort in Georgia, Presidents Carter and Clinton and former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson. The couple moved to Gainesville several years ago with their children, John and Sarah. Watson’s production company also co-owns Rising Star Performing Arts Academy, a performing arts summer camp they produce at the P.K. Yonge Performing Arts Center.
Helping children has always been dear to Watson’s heart, as he is a strong advocate for children in need. Watson is designing and helping produce “Gainesville Gone Nashville,” an upcoming benefit for the Child Advocacy Center. “Roberta and her brother were adopted, so we are always eager to help causes for the benefit of children,” Watson said. “Each and every one of the non-profit organizations has a special place in my heart. I am honored to live in a city where generosity shines.”
Watson grew up on an Alabama cotton farm and learned a lot about customer service from his father’s propane business and his mother’s catering service. “I grew up in a healthy environment where I learned to give back to the community. God has blessed us in so many ways, and it was always important for my family to give back to fellow man, and we are trying to install those values in our children and the younger generation today.” The Watsons are members of the Gainesville Christian Church where they assist with the music ministry.
“We are so fortunate to have our Noche de Gala 2009 annual fundraiser come to life under the direction of an extremely talented event designer, producer and dear friend, Keith and his talented team. They exceeded our expectations of last year’s gala and we are excited about what they have planned for this year’s event,” Horst Ferrero, founder of the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation, said.
“Keith’s passion for helping people has touched the lives of so many people in our community,” Sandra Thompson, past president of the Children’s Home Society Auxiliary and co-chair of Puttin’ on the Ritz, said. “The word no is not in his vocabulary. He goes over and beyond anything that we would expect.”