Kerry Jon Walker Fund Benefit to be Held at Reggie Lewis Center

A Tribute to the Life of Tim Walker, a benefit concert in support of The Kerry Jon Walker Fund (KJWF), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping humanity and supporting those affected by poverty, will be held on Saturday, April 9 from 7 to 9 pm, at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont Street, Roxbury. All proceeds benefit KJWF’s mission to improve the quality of life of those suffering from poverty by promoting sustainable programs to improve health, education and economic opportunity for those in need.

The late Tim Walker, beloved singer and life-long musician of Dorchester was an incredible presence at KJWF. As uncle to the Fund’s late namesake, Kerry Jon Walker, he was a staunch supporter of the foundation. While planning a major fundraiser for the organization last year, Walker passed away suddenly at the age of 56. His family and friends, and those that he mentored throughout his life, have gather to create this event in his memory, and in support of the cause he loved.

A Tribute to the Life of Tim Walker features a narration of his life and performances of songs and poems by friends, family and peers of Walker. Honored guests include daughter Sharla Solomon, wife Linda Walker, Grace Hampton, In the Spirit gospel group, Berklee College of Music students and more, performing Walker’s original compositions and other songs that honor his life. The evening will also offer a gift basket raffle, refreshments and good will.

Enhancing the education of youth is at the heart of The Kerry Jon Walker Fund’s mission. KJWF provides opportunities for financially challenged urban teen students to travel abroad in charitable service. KJWF sponsors students from Snowden International High School and Madison Park High School on mission trips to Rwanda, serving victims of the country’s genocide at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village, home and school for 500 orphaned teens. Preparations are now underway for a fourth trip to the Village in June. While providing service to the students in this Rwandan community, the Boston teens gained a new understanding of third world issues through the homeless families they served. They bonded with friends across the world who had once lived alone or in child led households, and who survived daily conditions that lacked clean water, electricity and reliable food sources.

Additionally, KJWF has provided 3000 lbs. of books, maps and educational materials to village schools in Guinea, West Africa, a community that ranks amongst the poorest in the world. KJWF also purchased school uniforms for Guinea’s most deprived children. By bringing literacy and educational necessities to children across the world, KJWF provides them with hope to aspire to a better future for themselves and their communities.

Through the support of generous donors, KJWF continues its mission to educate children in need, enhancing their potential to grow into strong world leaders and citizens.

Admission to A Tribute to the Life of Tim Walker benefit concert is $20 for adults, $15 for children age 6 to 12, free for children up to age 5. To order tickets, please call Julia Walker at 617-288-5980 or Phillip Walker at 781-589-3063.

For more information about the Kerry Jon Walker Fund, or to make a donation, visit www.thekerryfund.org. For more information or directions to the Reggie Lewis Center, visit http://www.rcc.mass.edu/reggie-lewis.