Turning a sports broadcasting career into the art of giving.

In business, the term “road warrior” refers to someone who spends enormous amounts of time traveling for work. That’s an apt description of my life before marriage and kids. I’ve worked in broadcasting throughout my career, starting in sportscasting which had me on the run between the Midwest to the West Coast covering both collegiate and major league baseball, hockey and football. But I always had a passion for community service and tried to fit in charity work whenever a window of time opened up.

Actually, I met my husband while we were both volunteering in a soup kitchen. My television sportscasting career came to an end not too long after we were married. We had two kids right away, and the profession simply wasn’t possible with all the late nights and travel. It was time for a change.

Kerry and Family — **“Road Warrior”**

*That’s an apt description of my life before marriage and kids.*

By 2012, I was no longer on TV, but still working in sports radio. Then, I got the opportunity to co-host a TV show called “Through the Decades” with Bill Kurtis and Ellee Pai Hong. We take our audience back through memorable moments in history. Not only is the work fun, but because it is part-time, it has also enabled me to pursue my true passion, helping others.

Combining a broadcast career with giving

I started hosting charity events and assisting with fundraising, a welcome opportunity to combine my broadcasting experience with events that focused on helping others. I have a personal connection with a number of the charities and support them as much as possible. During Covid, I hosted a number of virtual “Go Red for Women” events for the American Heart Association for chapters on the West Coast. I also served as the emcee for Scoreboard Charities “Uncorked: Pull a Cork for Cancer” event for the 2nd straight year, and next February, I am planning to host an event for Foundation 205, the fundraising arm of the Elmhurst School District. In late June, I was excited to return to an in-person event format for Bridge Communities event called “Wine, Women & Shoes”, featuring vendors from the Chicago area that give portions of their sales back to Bridge. The event culminates in a fashion show sponsored by Sweet William, a high-end women’s boutique in Hinsdale.

Bridge Communities is an organization close to our home in Elmhurst, Illinois that offers support to families who find themselves homeless due to things like divorce, job losses or an illness that caused a loss of income through a two--year program that includes transitional housing, job and family mentoring, as well as support services. The outcomes are inspiring. Breaking the stereotype of homelessness as simply a drug induced condition is critical.

What called you to do this?

I always wanted to volunteer. But sports broadcasting doesn’t give you much time for other pursuits. Since becoming a mom, my husband and I have volunteered with both of our children for “Feed My Starving Children,” a way for families to come together to pack and ship food to third-world countries where kids are in need of good nutrition. It’s been a great bonding experience for us. My husband and I want to give our kids a foundation of service—contributing their time, talent and treasure to others.

There are those who are doing far more than us. But as our kids get older, we hope they’ll take these experiences into their adult lives and pay it forward.

La Jolie MLN: ”It’s our mission to give young ladies the lessons all of you can share with us. So, let’s share our experiences, strength and stories.

I cordially invite you to join a cohort of empowered women. Please send your stories to Blog@lajolie-mln.com