Richard and Lynda Kerr
A Genuine Commitment to those with Special Needs
Philanthropists Richard and Lynda Kerr hold a special place in their hearts for those with special needs. For decades, through the Kerr Family Foundation, Richard and Lynda have provided essential support to various programs at Home of Guiding Hands (HGH), including the annual golf tournament, which raises funds that allow HGH to provide the highest quality of support to maximize independence and quality of life for people with disabilities.
The Kerr Family Foundation has made a significant impact on many organizations since 2001. The foundation stands true and strong to the belief that their good fortune should be shared with those who need help. Their philanthropy spans into several categories: the arts; animal rights or support groups; and organizations which help people develop from a point of need to a point of self-reliance. On occasion, these categories are integrated into the same goal of reaching at-risk children through means of art programs, rescuing animals, and supporting initiatives at Home of Guiding Hands.
“The years of dedication and support from Richard and Lynda have profoundly improved the quality of life for so many with special needs,” Edward Hershey, CEO of Home of Guiding Hands shared with GB Magazine. “With their support, we are able to continue to provide our participants with the resources and assistance to live a full, happy life.”
The 41st Annual Charity Golf Classic will take place on Friday October 27, 2023, at Sycuan’s Oak Glen Golf Course. Guests will enjoy 18 holes of golf and will be treated to unlimited beverages, craft beers and all you can eat on-course food stations. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and an awards dinner will follow the tournament. All funds raised will support the 4,500 clients HGH serves annually. For more information about the tournament and to participate or sponsor, please visit www.guidinghands.org.
“Lynda and I have not only been touched by the significant impact made by Home of Guiding Hands, but we are also impressed by the fact that HGH is a fiscally responsible organization, and their ability to provide so much with the small amount of funding they receive,” shared Richard Kerr. “We are proud supporters of such a wonderful cause.”
Rich Kerr’s inspiration to give back was cultivated under the leadership of Dr. Irwin Jacobs while working at Qualcomm. He was inspired by the spirit of giving that he saw and has followed that path ever since. His introduction to Home of Guiding Hands many years ago came from his close friend, Jimmy Alison, when Rich was asked to join the golf committee and co-chair the tournament. He was very impressed with the objectives of HGH, so he politely obliged. To this day, not only does he play in the tournament, but he sponsors the event as well.
Rich and his wife Lynda do not require a spotlight, they simply believe in giving back. They enjoy the time spent watching the organizations they support grow and flourish. Year after year, they carefully select charities to support by determining where the help is most needed.
Established in 1967, Home of Guiding Hands today operates 28 community-based homes providing a wide range of services throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties for 4,500 men, women and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities every year.
