Remaining campaign funds divided between Friends of the Plant City Police Department Foundation and Boys & Girls Club of Plant City.
Photo courtesy of Art Wood
Just weeks after being sworn in as Plant City’s new Group 3 commissioner, Karen Kerr is continuing her commitment to serving the community by giving back in a meaningful way. Kerr, who serves as president of South Florida Baptist Hospital, recently donated the remaining funds from her City Commission campaign to two local nonprofit organizations that support public safety and youth development. The remaining campaign balance of $1,145 was divided, with $572.50 donated to the Friends of the Plant City Police Department Foundation and $572.50 donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Plant City.
According to Art Wood, who serves on the Plant City Planning Board, he suggested that the remaining half of the campaign funds be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Plant City. Wood said he believed the organization plays an important role in supporting local families and providing opportunities for young people throughout the community. Kerr welcomed the suggestion, ultimately deciding to split the remaining campaign funds evenly between the two organizations so both public safety and youth programs could benefit from the contribution.
The donations represent one of Kerr’s first acts of public service since taking the oath of office in early June 2026. Rather than allowing the remaining campaign funds to sit unused, she chose to invest them directly back into organizations that make a lasting difference in the lives of Plant City residents.
The Friends of the Plant City Police Department Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Plant City Police Department through community fundraising and private donations. Founded by a group of city residents and local business owners, the organization helps provide resources that fall outside traditional government funding. Operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the foundation works closely with the Police Chief or the chief’s designee to identify areas where additional financial support is needed. Funds are used to purchase specialized equipment, provide enhanced officer training, support community outreach efforts, and improve officer safety. The foundation does not fund personnel costs, lethal weapons, or police vehicles, instead focusing on programs and equipment that enhance the department’s ability to serve the community.
Community partnerships like these help bridge funding gaps and allow the department to pursue opportunities that may not otherwise be available through state or local budgets. Additional training can better prepare officers for evolving challenges, while specialized equipment and outreach initiatives strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the residents they serve.
Kerr’s contribution will help the foundation continue its mission of providing those valuable resources to the Plant City Police Department.
The second half of Kerr’s donation was directed to the Boys & Girls Club of Plant City, an organization that has served local children and families for many years through educational, recreational, and mentorship programs. The Boys & Girls Club provides after-school programming throughout the school year and summer programs that give young people a safe, structured environment when school is not in session. These programs offer academic support, character development, leadership opportunities, physical activities, and positive relationships with caring adult mentors.
For many working families, the organization provides an essential service. Parents can remain at work knowing their children are spending their afternoons in a safe and supportive environment where they have access to enriching activities, homework assistance, and nutritious dinners.
Beyond meeting immediate needs, the Boys & Girls Club has a long-term impact on the community. Research has consistently shown that youth who participate in quality after-school programs are more likely to graduate from high school, avoid risky behaviors, and become active, engaged members of their communities. Programs like those offered by the Boys & Girls Club have also been associated with lower rates of juvenile crime and teen pregnancy while encouraging volunteerism and civic engagement among young people.
By supporting the organization, Kerr’s donation will help continue programs that benefit both today’s youth and the future of Plant City.
Although the donation itself totals just over $1,100, its significance extends beyond the dollar amount. It reflects a commitment to investing in organizations that strengthen the community from different angles. One organization supports those who protect Plant City’s residents, while the other helps prepare the next generation for successful futures.
Kerr brings years of leadership experience to the Plant City Commission through her role as president of South Florida Baptist Hospital. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with community organizations, healthcare professionals, local leaders, and residents across the region. Her election to the Group 3 commission seat marked a new chapter in that public service. As one of her first official actions following her swearing in, donating the remaining campaign funds sends a message about the priorities she campaigned to bring to public office. Rather than viewing campaign resources as simply the conclusion of an election, Kerr chose to redirect those funds into organizations that continue serving the community every day.
Both recipient organizations rely heavily on community support to fulfill their missions. Donations from local residents, businesses, and civic leaders help expand opportunities for children, strengthen public safety initiatives, and improve the quality of life throughout Plant City.
Kerr’s decision also serves as a reminder that community leadership extends beyond City Commission meetings. Supporting nonprofits that address local needs is one way elected officials can help strengthen the partnerships that make a community successful. As Plant City’s newest commissioner begins her term, these contributions highlight an emphasis on giving back and supporting organizations that work every day to make the city a safer, stronger, and more connected place to live.
