In 1980, San Diego Chargers place kicker Rolf Benirschke,
started a unique program, Kicks for Critters, to help fund
the San Diego Zoo’s department of Conservation and Research
for Endangered Species (CRES). The CRES cause – to study,
preserve and protect endangered animal species – was
near and dear to Rolf’s heart in part because his father,
Dr. Kurt Benirschke, had founded CRES a few years earlier
With Kicks for Critters, Rolf donated money to CRES for
every field goal he kicked during a Chargers game. In addition,
he invited the community to pledge dollars to CRES per field
goal, too. With the help of Rolf’s friends, hoteliers
Terry and Charlene Brown, a Kicks for Critters pledge party
was held at their Hanalei Hotel in Mission Valley to introduce
the program to the public and to encourage pledges.
When Rolf retired from football, the Kicks for Critters
pledge-recruitment event evolved into the Celebration for
the Critters, the largest food and beverage tasting party
in San Diego. Originally held at the Town & Country Hotel
and hosted by the Browns, Celebration was moved to the Zoo
in 1993 and has been there ever since. Rolf continues his
involvement in raising money for CRES by serving each year
as the Celebration’s honorary chair, along with his
wife, Mary.
Proceeds from this year’s event benefit The Zoological
Society’s department of Conservation and Research for
Endangered Species (CRES), and its conservation efforts in
the United States and around the world. |
