Kathleen McGivney only attended her first watch meet-up in 2013, and quickly became obsessed with the horological hobby, and the potential for growing a collector’s community with her long-time friend Adam Craniotes through RedBar Group.
“We formed a company and turned what was essentially a grassroots community that was operating in a couple of US cities into a global community with more than 80 chapters around the world,” she describes.
There is something altruistic about RedBar; a sense of a higher purpose than merely getting people together to talk about watches.
Fortunately, our community has been great at staying connected with virtual gatherings throughout these challenges.
That was amply demonstrated earlier this year when Kathleen worked with Revolution Magazine and auction platform Loupe to create a 50-lot auction that raised $250,000 for World Central Kitchen, which supports Ukranians displaced by the war in their country.
That auction was like a bookend for a torrid two years when intimate gatherings to share watch stories were near impossible because of Covid restrictions.
“Fortunately, our community has been great at staying connected with virtual gatherings throughout these challenges,” she notes.
Kathleen’s philanthropy goes beyond enabling the watch business to raise money for a one-off event. Giving back is in her DNA.
“My biggest passion is non-profit volunteer work,” she reveals.
“I am the chair of the board of directors of Bailey House, an organization that provides housing and supportive services to people living with HIV, AIDS, and other chronic illnesses. I also sit on the boards of directors of Housing Works and Safecast, and help with board development and fundraising.”
