Born in the beautiful landscapes of St. John's, Newfoundland, Sean O’Keefe’s journey from a Canadian coastal town to the heart of Georgia’s nonprofit scene is a tale of culinary passion, serendipitous opportunities, and a very personal commitment to the greater good. Greater … Good.
Sean's culinary expedition began in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where his mastery in the kitchen caught the attention of influential clients. A catering event led to a life-changing opportunity - an invitation to the United States in 1995. Embracing what would become a gastronomic adventure, Sean traveled around Southern California, where his skills and expertise as a private chef opened doors to the homes of Hollywood celebrities and billionaires. His global culinary adventures not only refined his palate but also deepened his appreciation for diverse cultures and cuisines.
After years of serving the elite, Sean sought a more inclusive path. "I decided that I would do what I had done for the very few, for the very many." Relocating to Georgia, he formed Sean O’Keefe Enterprises, A Hospitality & Media Marketing Company. Sean's mission was, and still is, clear: to bring the high-caliber experiences once reserved for a select few to the broader community, especially nonprofits that lack the resources for grand events.
Empowering Nonprofits Through Creative Partnerships
Understanding the unique challenges nonprofits face - be it limited budgets, donor engagement, or brand recognition - Sean leveraged his talents and connections to create incredibly impactful events. By fostering strategic partnerships between nonprofits and participating organizations, he maximized resources and amplified outreach. “This is what makes this work so exciting.” More than 25 nonprofits, including Two Sparrows Village, the Fayette Democratic Party, and AVPRIDE, have benefited from Sean’s innovative approach to fundraising and his relational equity. Sean's requests are rarely, if ever, met with resistance. His work with organizations like the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation underscores his dedication to causes close to his heart.
Adapting to the Virtual Landscape
Moving from physical event space to the virtual world proved to be an interesting evolution for Sean O'Keefe Enterprises. The pandemic created an opportunity for people to reinvent themselves, which prompted Sean to explore and pivot to virtual platforms. Embracing this shift, he launched "The Charity Case," a television initiative that spotlighted nonprofits and their missions. This venture not only maintained engagement during lockdowns but also expanded the reach of these organizations, showcasing their work to a broader audience.
A Philosophy Rooted in Social Responsibility
Sean believes that everyone has a role in fostering a compassionate society. "My heart truly wants to leave the world in a better place." Through his work, Sean is a contributor, connector, and catalyst for positive change. "Social responsibility for me sits in a place of awareness, of where we are in the exact moment that our gift is being made. Our gift can be cash. It can be time. It can be resources.” As Sean creates meaningful partnerships, he is also cultivating a charity’s brand loyalty that encourages corporations to support causes that align with their values.
Personal Touches and Lasting Impact
Sean thrives in nonprofit environments with small, close-knit teams of about three to six people. “These organizations are just the right size—not so large that they have unlimited resources, but big enough to benefit from the high-impact, elegant events we create,” he explains. Over the past 12 years, Sean O’Keefe Enterprises has helped nonprofits raise more than $25 million.
Sean is a regular lifestyle and wellness contributor for major networks like NBC, CBS, FOX, and The Weather Channel. The Sean O'Keefe brand is a symbol of excellence in Atlanta and across the Southeast, as Sean has evolved into a global travel journalist and lifestyle icon.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Sean remains grounded in his roots. Inspired by his grandfather’s culinary wisdom, his passion for cooking shines through in the grand experiences he curates - and in the quiet joy of tending his backyard garden, where a colorful variety of tomatoes grow, destined for his beloved mid-summer tomato pies.
A Vision for the Future
At 55, Sean continues to merge his passions for travel, culinary arts, and philanthropy. He believes in "voluntourism" - traveling with purpose - and aims to leave a positive footprint wherever he goes. His belief that "laughter is the greatest of all medicines" and that leading with the heart fosters genuine connections encapsulates his approach to both life and work.
Sean continues to look back on the potentiality of what he might do for others. "My work has given me a different perspective on how the world works, and how life is, and how life ought to be. I believe there is an opportunity and wealth within travel where we can do good, travel well, and leave a kinder footprint on the places we go.”
For more about Sean O’Keefe Enterprises and their transformative work, visit www.sok-ent.com or follow them on Instagram at @sokenterprises.
"Social responsibility for me sits in a place of awareness, of where we are in the exact moment that our gift is being made. Our gift can be cash. It can be time. It can be resources.”