10 Things About Linda Kurtin &
The Arc of San Diego

“It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.” – Dalai Lama

The Arc of San Diego is the largest and most comprehensive service provider for children and adults with disabilities in San Diego County. Arc supports and empowers people with disabilities to achieve their life goals through a variety of programs that promote social, economic, and personal independence. Having a child with a developmental disability, Linda Kurtin, took on the challenge of chairing ARC’s Gala in August so she can give her daughter and others like her, the most full, engaging, and fulfilling life possible.

10 Things About Linda Kurtin & The Arc for San Diego

#1 I grew up in Toledo, Ohio and was on the swim team and water polo team at Ohio State University.

#2 I can ride a 6-foot unicycle. As children growing up, we all rode unicycles in our neighborhood and had a circus at our elementary school and high school where we performed at different venues.

#3 I think everyone should have compassion and put yourself in the shoes of others. You never know what hardships or trials others are experiencing in their lives.

#4 My favorite travel destination is London, England. I hope to one day travel to Iceland, Antarctica, and Patagonia. The top of my bucket list is doing a bike trip through New Zealand.

#5 To stay positive on challenging days, I think about how nothing comes easy for the children and adults with disabilities who are part of the community at The Arc of San Diego, including my daughter Berni, who was born with Down Syndrome.

#6 My daughter Berni loves riding Princess during therapeutic riding sessions at Helen Woodward Animal Center.

#7 The most valuable life lesson that I have learned is things don’t just work themselves out, you must work to bring about the change you desire in your life and most importantly in the lives of others.

#8 I have been surprised most in life by individuals like Mike Pasuoka of Players Sports Grill in Poway, who are deeply committed to supporting the developmental disability community even though they do not have any family members who are affected.

#9 Partnering with Players Sports Grill in Poway, The Arc of San Diego has been providing employment opportunities for adults with disabilities since 2015. Our clients work at a coffee cart called Our Place Coffee where they have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and be vibrant, contributing members of their community.

#10 Proceeds from “The Greatest Place on Earth Gala” will support The Arc of San Diego’s operating costs and assist with funding our programs: early intervention services for young toddlers, adult day programs, employment services, residential services, and community living services.

The Arc of San Diego
“The Greatest Place on Earth Gala”
Saturday, August 29, 2020
5:30 p.m.
The Guild Hotel – 500 W. Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
www.arc-sd.com/gala