A tribute to Doro Kerr, one of New Hope’s “most distinctive and dedicated citizens,” will be presented by the New Hope Borough Park and Recreation Board as part of the Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival on Jan. 26, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Occasions in Union Square, according to a spokesman.
After graduating from Drexel University, Ms. Kerr worked with the American Friends Service Committee helping to relocate Japanese-American students to the east coast.
She later was employed by the Philadelphia Inquirer in advertising sales.
Ms. Kerr married Charles “Chick” Kerr in 1949, and they began their Mariner’s Journal business in 1956. Mr. Kerr died in 2007.
Ms. Kerr has been an active participant in numerous community organizations over the past 50 years.
She has served on the board and as treasurer of the Free Library of New Hope and Solebury and on the Borough Police Review Committee; she has helped raise funds for the Michener Museum and was an early supporter of the Riverside Symphonia, New Hope Performing Arts Festival, Concordia Chamber Players, New Hope Performing Arts Festival and the New Hope Arts.
Today, she serves on the New Hope Borough Conciliation Committee and is a staunch supporter of the Eagle Fire Company, Lambertville Rescue Squad and Planned Parenthood of Bucks County.
The evening will begin with an open bar followed by dinner.
A cabaret will be presented by Ms. Kerr’s granddaughter, and local actress/performer, JaQuinley Kerr. She will sing a duet with Justin Guarini, of American Idol fame, and recently an actor on Broadway, who just completed a successful run at the Bucks County Playhouse as the lead in “It’s a Wonderful Life: The Live Radio Show. “
Joining them will be Rodney Mack, principal trumpet for the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, who heads up his own band, The Rodney Mack Philadelphia Big Brass.
Justin Nawn, who recently opened the Birdhouse Center for the Arts and stars in the acoustic band, “Wear My Leather” with his partner, Brownwyn Bird, will accompany them with a variety of acoustical instruments.
John Augustine, singer and pianist with the national cabaret act, “Chris Durang and Dawne,” will round out the show’s cast.
A silent auction will feature scores of prizes from New Hope and Bucks County dining, shopping and entertainment venues.
Tickets for this dinner and event in honor of Ms. Kerr are $85 and are available at www.winterfestival.net.
Proceeds from the event will help support the New Hope Borough Park and Recreation Board’s efforts to beautify New Hope, including the installation and maintenance of the flower baskets on borough street lamps and New Hope’s Pocket Parks.
