Bob and Jessie Kirk: Central Florida Humanitarians
By Maria Sonnenberg, Space Coast Medicine & Active Living // October 22, 2014
ABOVE VIDEO: Bob and Jessie Kirk have channeled their enthusiasm through support of local groups such as the Jaycees, the Elks Club, and Sertoma Club and as a founding member of the North Brevard Development Council, now the Space Coast Economic Development Council.
Kirks Are Dedicated To North Brevard Community
CENTRAL FLORIDA, USA – Bob and Jessie Kirk have shown their commitment to the Space Coast with decades of support of their hometown of Titusville.
Bob Kirk started in the real estate industry in Titusville in the 1960s, establishing Kirk Realty in 1968.
As a founding member and past president of the North Brevard (Space Coast) Board of Realtors, Bob has been active in residential and commercial sales as well as community development through homebuilding.
Recognizing the need to give back to the community, the Kirks have channeled their enthusiasm through support of local groups such as the Jaycees, the Elks Club, and Sertoma Club and as a founding member of the North Brevard Development Council, now the Space Coast Economic Development Council.
INNOVATIVE WORK
Bob is an active member of the Navy League of the United States, Cape Canaveral Council. During his tenure as President of the Cape Canaveral Council, Bob instituted a matching funds endowment program for the Courageous Division of Sea Cadets.
This program continues to this day opening doors for young adults to participate in the program.
Bob Kirk has received awards for his innovative work in the community, helping beautify the area along with keeping dormant real estate useful during the economic downturn.
He grew acres of sunflowers on acreage along U.S. 1 to beautify the community and to distribute to churches and residents of nursing homes, along with pumpkins in the fall, corn in the spring and other fresh vegetables given freely to the community from land that would otherwise have gone fallow.
The project earned a beautification award from the City of Titusville.
Bob has also worked closely with the City of Titusville and local retailers to ensure that shopping centers, plazas and retail outlets remained active in the Titusville area to serve the community needs.
He helped on the Riverfront Acquisition Program and donated funds for the development of Kirkpoint as a riverfront park for the community.
Bob serves on the Board of Directors of the Space Coast Development Commission and is a Circle of Life Member of the Jess Parrish Medical Foundation.
HEALTH CARE, CHILDREN ARE FOCUS OF SERVICE
Jessie Kirk hails from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and moved to the west coast of the United States in 1980, building a successful travel career in several countries.
The couple met en route to Asia and Bob subsequently convinced her to move to Titusville. They have been happily married for 23 years and Jessie now devotes her time to support Bob’s ventures and their joint projects for the community.
Jessie has been active with the American Cancer Society and the scholastic and talent program of the Junior Miss Program for high school senior girls.
She is on the Board of Directors of the Navy League of the United States, Cape Canaveral Council, the Friend’s Board of the Children’s Advocacy Board and serves as Vice-Chair of the Jess Parish Medical Foundation.
Bob and Jessie Kirk both believe in giving back.
Jessie sums it up: “I have lived in big cities and did not find a sense of community. Today, I have a sense of belonging and am proud to see the direct impact of dollars raised in contributions and support. It is gratifying!”
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN ALUMNI
ABOUT THE 2014 CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN AWARDS
The Central Florida Humanitarian Awards were created to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations that dedicate their Time, Talent or Treasure to help people in need locally – and around the world.
This year, more than 30 deserving humanitarians will be honored during the Gala, which will be held Thursday, Nov. 6 at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place, with the festivities beginning at 6 p.m.
“Over the years, our editorial team has had the distinct honor and pleasure of identifying and featuring the many members of our community who give back so much and are dedicated to reaching out and helping others, here and throughout the world, in a multitude of ways,” said Maverick Multimedia Editor-In-Chief Dr. Jim Palermo.
“We remain firmly committed to identifying and telling those stories and providing a timely media platform to recognize Space Coast and Central Florida residents’ altruistic contributions on a regular basis in our magazines, as well as SpaceCoastDaily.com,” said Dr. Palermo.
This inspiring and compelling event is sponsored by M.H. Williams Construction, Brighthouse Networks, Health First, Brevard Physicians Network, Clear Choice Health Care, First Choice Medical Group, Knudson Brain & Spine Law Injury Office, Florida Pain Institute, Sangiv Patel, DDS, PA, Brevard Geriatrics, Space Coast Medicine & Active Living magazine and SpaceCoastDaily.com
For more information about the Central Florida Humanitarian Gala call 321-323-4460 or e-mail MaverickMultiMedia@gmail.com
BELOW MAP: The 2014 Central Florida Humanitarian Awards will take place Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014 at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place, located at 200 Rialto Place in Melbourne, Florida.
