For November, we are doubly grateful that we have not one, but TWO Changemakers of the Month! Jescina Clark and Kim Straw came to us as a team and have been rolling that way ever since. Poway residents since the early 80’s, Jescina and Kim have also been involved with Relay for Life benefiting the American Cancer Society and sponsor a table at the annual Tea Party for the El Cajon division. Jescina is a married mom of four and an ESS Supervisor at Tierra Bonita Elementary. She enjoys time with family, soccer, scrapbooking, bingo, football and going to the Colorado River. Kim is the proud mom of three furry felines and works at Q Capital Strategies in the life insurance industry. She enjoys cooking and joining the Clark’s on their trips to the river.
Let’s get to know these two in their own words:
CLF: How did you get involved with CLF?
JC: A friend and former FCR Committee Member recommended I get involved with the Foundation being a long-time Poway resident and my involvement in the community. I spoke with the former Executive Director of CLF over the phone and was excited to be invited to join the Run committee. I told Robin I would happily join under one condition, my best friend, Kim, had to be involved too. We both met with Robin in person and from then on we have been a part of this wonderful family.
CLF: What do you do/done for CLF?
JC/KS: As members of the Family Festival we work each year to make the event fun for everyone. We plan and organize crafts and activities that reflect Chelsea in the way she tried to live her life. We have also volunteered at Home Run for Chelsea the last couple years. This year we took a larger role by coordinating donations for the raffle and working the CLF booth during the tournament.
CLF: How many years have you been involved with CLF?
KS: Since the day Chelsea was reported missing we both jumped into action and did what we could to help. Jescina picked up a bunch of flyers and drove to East County and hung them all over. I got water and granola bars and brought them to the search center. I remember going to the first run at Lake Hodges and what a powerful experience that was. I knew I felt Chelsea that day but had no idea that she would lead Jescina and I to where we are now. We have been members of Finish Chelsea’s Run Family Festival committee since the 3rd race at Balboa Park.
CLF: What do you like best about Chelsea/CLF?
JC/KS: This foundation has become another family to us. We are extremely proud to stand with the Kings and the other amazing members of our team. We know with each race and event we’re making a difference to help strengthen laws that protect our kids.
