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CC - Item 2A - Doc Kerr Memorial Scholarship Fund Request for Donation■�■ TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: JEFFRY ALLRED, CITY MANAGER DATE: MARCH 29, 2011 SUBJECT: DOC KERR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND REQUEST FOR DONATION SUMMARY Earlier this month, a representative of the Doc Kerr Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc., an approved 501(c)3 non - profit, requested a donation of up to $1,000 from the City of Rosemead for scholarships to be awarded to local student athletes at its Doc Kerr Golf Classic on April 29, 2011. Staff Recommendation That the City Council provide direction regarding the Doc Kerr Memorial Scholarship Fund request for a donation. ANALYSIS Doc Kerr Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc. was established in 2005 to provide scholarships to local student athletes from San Gabriel and Bell Gardens High Schools in the name of "Doc Kerr" (Doctor Robert Kerr was a sports medicine specialist who lived and practiced in San Gabriel and served as team doctor, free of charge, to local high school athletics programs for more than 30 years). Each year, the organization raises funds through direct donations and by hosting an annual Christmas event and the annual Doc Kerr Golf Classic. To date, they have awarded $15,000 in scholarships to students from San Gabriel and Bell Gardens High Schools. In 2010, they established an award for a Schurr High School student. This year, they are expanding their efforts to include a Doc Foster Scholarship to a student from Mark Keppel High School. They anticipate adding a scholarship to recognize a Rosemead High School student beginning in 2012. As many of the students attending San Gabriel High School reside in Rosemead, the Doc Kerr Memorial Scholarship Fund recently contacted the City of Rosemead to request a donation in an amount up to $1,000 to help provide this year's scholarships to help academically qualified athletes pay for community college, state or private university tuition. This year, scholarships will be awarded at the conclusion of the Doc Kerr Golf Classir. at California Country Club on April 29, 2011. APPROVED FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: ITEM NUMBER: City Council Meeting March 29, 2011 Page 2 of 2 PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process. FISCAL IMPACT Funds have not been budgeted in the current fiscal year for such donations. Approval of the request would require a budget amendment appropriating monies from the unreserved undesignated fund balance. Director Letter of Request ,VN.AL "I, ■ i i March 23, 2011 Mayor Ly: Doc Kerr Memorial Scholarship, Inc. was founded six years ago by a small group of San Gabriel High School graduates from the cities of San Gabriel and Rosemead who desired to give back to their community. For over 30 years Dr. Robert Kerr "Doc Ken" selflessly donated his time and energy to high schools throughout the San Gabriel Valley. In the capacity of team physician he donated countless hours of valuable medical services to these athletic teams. In addition, he extended follow up treatment and therapy at his local office in San Gabriel free of charge for students who did not have health coverage. Since his passing in 2002, there has been a void felt throughout every athletic program that he touched. In an effort to celebrate his lifelong dedication and consummate humanitarianism we have established Doc Kerr Memorial Scholarship, Inc. Since 2005 this charitable organization has given over $15,000.00 in scholarships to students from three area high schools: San Gabriel, Bell Gardens and Scharr. This year we will be expanding our outreach to include Mark Keppel and Rosemead High School. Our scholarship program is aimed specifically to benefit academically qualified high school student athletes who, through financial hardship, may not achieve their dream of going to college. Doc Kerr served as an excellent example of what we should all be doing as members of a community. Our goal is to follow his example to make a difference in the lives of some students and their families. Our major fundraising event is an annual golf tournament that brings together graduates from local area high schools and many others with roots in the San Gabriel Valley who believe in the strength of their community. In addition, we use this event to honor an individual from the area for the impact they have had on the lives of local student athletes. With our fundraising efforts and the help of donations -from supporters we will continue to advance our mission of awarding scholarships to worthy high school students throughout the San Gabriel Valley. We appreciate your consideration in supporting our cause. As an active board member, I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our organization. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 562/577 -4303. Sincerely, Mike Sweeney Board Member Cc: Joanne Russell Federal Tax ID # 20- 4352662 PO Box 2548 San Gabriel, Ca. 91778 -2548