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Randy Kirk… Kirk’s Kids
andy is one interesting man. From 1987 to 1999 he played
for seven NFL teams. From 1996-99 he played for the 49ers
as a linebacker and long snapper. Today he is the father of
six children, lives in Morgan Hill and is a major advocate for chil-
dren, his own and those less fortunate. Professionally, he owns Kirk
Enterprises, founded by his father, Sherrel, in 1976. Randy is a big
man with a hearty handshake and ready smile. He attributes a slight
limp to his NFL days.
Randy’s advocacy for kids began a while back in San Diego when
he was on a police ride along with another former NFL player, then
a cop. One of the day’s activities resulted in the arrest and deten-
tion of a young mother with an addiction issue. The arrest left a
nine-year-old and a baby without their mother, who seemed not
to care about their welfare or future. This had a profound impact
on the former linebacker. Not long after, Randy established Kirk’s
Kids. While some philanthropists host events that include maybe
a dinner, a dance, a live auction and/or a golf tournament, Randy
and his wife, Donna, went another direction and hosted a celebrity
clay-shooting event. For several years it was one of those must-attend
events.
Although encouraged to host an event for a cancer institute
in Los Angeles, Randy’s approach to philanthropy took a local
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
approach, by design. His event works through Community
Solutions and the Morgan Hill Community Foundation. With his
long term NFL connections he could easily have tied into a nation-
al cause but he deliberately chose the local scene; with half of the
funds raised going to kid related issues identified by Community
Solutions and half to St. Catherine’s in Morgan Hill.
A sporting-clays event was a natural for Randy. He is a hunter
and the competitiveness of clay shooting is a natural for someone
with an NFL background. Randy and family have hosted nine
Kirk Celebrity Invitational events. The Invitational is a family
affair. Randy attributes the organization and scheduling successes
to his wife, Donna. His father, Sherrel, recruits more family and
friends to handle the cooking. Randy sums up his commitment
with, “Kids are awesome!”
For the last few years the event has been on hold, however. Six
kids and some family health issues took precedence over the char-
ity event. Both his wife and mother are cancer survivors. The Kirk
family kids range in age from 8 to 18, with his oldest attending
college this fall. Randy gets a twinkle in his eye when he talks about
his kids.
If you know Randy or see him about town, encourage him the
host the 10th Kirk Celebrity Invitational!
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
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