DSLC is sad to announce that Bob Burke passed away early in June. We are greatly sorrowed by the loss to our community. We plan to give the award to Mr. Burke posthumously at a Burke's Kids event in the near future.
Disability Services & Legal Center (DSLC), the primary resource for people with disabilities in the redwood empire, is awarding the 2010 Independent Living Legacy Award to Sonoma county's own Bob Burke.
The Independent Living Legacy Award honors individuals who have shown dedication to improving the lives of people with disabilities. Past recipients include ADA advocate and former Attorney General Richard Thornberg, actress Jerry Jewel and actor Christopher Reeve. DSLC hopes to focus attention on the work being done locally be honoring Mr. Burke.
For over forty years Bob Burke's Kids have been treated to year-round fun including barbeques, canoe trips and other activities--bringing great joy to children and their families struggling with cancer, AIDS and other serious disabilities. Anyone who has ever been to a Bob Burke's Kids event will tell you, the cares and worries melt away as the kids get a chance to have fun and just be kids.
Mr. Burke tells the story of how he was inspired to start Bob Burke’s Kids, saying that he was very touched by one little girl, whom he met in a community hospital years ago. When asked, she told him that the worst thing for children with cancer is that there is nothing for them to do.
That moment changed it all for Mr. Burke, and for the servely ill children that would cross his path. This is a 43rd year Bob Burke with his volunteers make sure these children have fun, games and various activities to brighten their lives. Every Wednesday June through September over 100 children with their families enjoy the weekly barbeque near the Russian River in Forestville, California. In winter, children go bowling, fishing and many other indoor fun activities. For the holidays Bob Burke organizes Thanksgiving and Christmas parties, the highlight of which is when Bob dresses up like Santa Claus and makes sure no child goes away empty handed.
DSLC truly appreciates and thanks Bob Burke for all the joy and hope he has given to children with disabilities and their families.
DSLC will present the ILLA award on Wednesday,
September 15th 6-8 PM at Burke's Canoe Trips, 8600 River Road, Forestville,
which is at the intersection of River Road and Mirabel Road just one mile
north of Forestville. For information call (707) 887-2222, or Inga at DSLC
(707) 528-2745 x 313