From the Heart

Last Saturday, some of our community’s most caring individuals were honored at Boulder City

Hospital Foundation’s 14th annual Heart of the Community Gala, an event that raises essential

funds to keep our non-profit Boulder City Hospital healthy and sustainable.

Many know Cindy Ford as Southwest Diner’s long-time owner. But few know the great impact

she has on our community behind the scenes. For instance, just a few years ago, she and her

diner team provided free meals to families affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting

government shutdowns. At the Gala, Cindy was praised for her generosity and compassionate

service in these and many other ways.

Perhaps that’s why, when the Hospital Foundation solicited citizens for nominations to receive its

first ever Community Impact Award, Cindy’s name was a top vote-getter. Among the many who

make a positive difference in our community, it’s fitting that she is this year’s “people’s choice”

recipient.

Cindy said, “I’m truly humbled. I don’t do it for the recognition. I do it because I care, and

because I can’t seem to help myself, and because my brain is always coming up with big ideas. I

try keep a lot of it quiet, but somehow this community has a way of finding out.”

True to form, Cindy gave all the credit to others, including God, her family, her amazing staff,

her circle of friends, and our incredible community. In her own words: “I believe in trying to

live like Jesus taught, feeding the hungry, taking care of those in need, . . . and just showing

kindness wherever I can. That’s really what guides me more than anything.”

A resident of Boulder City for over three decades, Cindy is the mother of five, three of whom

live in Boulder City with their own families. She calls them “her heart and soul” and thanked

them for putting up with her long hours, crazy schedule, and a phone that seemingly never stops

ringing. Cindy called her diner staff her second family, a team of big hearts and unbounded

dedication to service.

Finally, to her friends who have been with her through every season of her life, Cindy said,

“You’ve celebrated with me, prayed with me, laughed with me, and picked me up when things

were hard. Your encouragement, your loyalty, and your love have carried me more than you

probably realize.”

Alan and Kristy Kerner were this year’s Heart of the Community Award recipients. Not

surprisingly, their lives are grounded in faith, family, and unselfish service, too. Alan, for

instance, often talks about his Jewish roots, crediting the life lessons he’s learned from that faith

and its traditions for much of his success in life.

Over the years, the Kerners built an extraordinary entrepreneurial legacy, at various times

owning seven Baskin-Robbins stores, Nevada’s Dunkin’ Donuts franchise, the local Dairy Queen

building, a Farmers Insurance agency, and now Amerisent Insurance.

But even more impressive is their giving spirit. The Kerners played a key role in helping the

Boulder City Hoover Dam Museum retire its mortgage debt in 2008 and continue to champion

its programs today. They’ve also been among the Hospital Foundation’s most steadfast

supporters, sponsoring Art in the Park and the Gala year after year.

Alan and Kristy have a wonderful family of five children and eight grandchildren, many of

whom also live in Boulder City and do much to enrich our community. For example, their

children and grandchildren have been active supporters and participants in Boulder City’s youth

programs, such as high school and club volleyball teams. In fact, the Kerner family was the

impetus behind refurbishing the sand volleyball courts at Veterans Memorial Park in 2016.

But the Kerners’ generosity touches nearly every corner of our community, supporting King

Elementary teacher appreciation, Best Dam Barbecue, Friends of the Police, Noon Rotary, Lend

A Hand, Emergency Aid, and many other worthy causes.

Alan and Kristy have a fairytale love story and are deeply dedicated to each other. And that

lovingkindness and caring just ripples out from there, extending to their family, our community,

and beyond.

So, when you see the Kerners or Cindy Ford around town, be sure to thank them for all they do

to make our lives better. They are each true heroes who keep the heart of our community beating

strong.