George Gilbert grew up backstage, watching his parents and other great entertainers perform. His parents were considered one of the funniest comedy variety acts of their time.
One day while attending Kit Carson Six Grade Center in Las Vegas, the music teacher announced that all students had to perform in a class talent show as part of their grade.
“I was so nervous, by the time the signup sheet got to me I broke out into a cold sweat,” said George. “I couldn’t sing, dance or play an instrument, so I wrote down stand-up comic.”
His parents wrote a routine for him and despite his nervousness he did so well the teacher asked him to stay for the next class. Even though he wasn’t prepared, his parents surprised him by including George in a performance at the Disneyland Hotel in front of 800 people.
After performing stand-up comedy for many years, George segued his comedy into motivational humor. He speaks about the importance of humor in the workplace and the benefits of laughter in life. In 2001, he was awarded the Toastmaster International title of Accredited Speaker, becoming only the 50th person in the world to achieve this designation.
In 2002 after recuperating from a back and neck injury, George began his career at United Way of Southern Nevada as a sponsored loaned executive, preparing and implementing workplace campaigns. At the end of three months he was hired by United Way to help create and manage a program for military families.
“After having the opportunity to help those families, I was hooked on United Way and they haven’t been able to get rid of me since,” said George.
Now George serves as a Development Officer for United Way, working with some of its largest workplace campaigns and managing the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), which provides southern Nevada federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all through philanthropy.
He hosts an annual chili cook-off on the second Sunday of November. It started eight years ago, with about 10 of his friends and three chili recipes. The cook-off has grown every year and now has boasts five categories: vegetarian chili, chili with beans, meat only, best overall and a dip-off for the best appetizer.
“This last year, there were over 20 chili recipes and about 100 people participated,” said George.
George began the chili cook-off as a way to bring his friends together enjoying one of his favorite meals, chili. The chili connoisseur changes up his recipe every year and has won the cook off five out of the eight times. Here is one of his winning recipes.
GREAT article George! I sure enjoy “working” with you. You keep it lively! It is a pleasure!
Ira