Ecumenical
Council
2008 Tribute Honorees
Rev. Robert C. Ard
(Rev. Ikenna A. Kokayi)
Rev Robert Ard, pastor of Christ Church of San Diego, served the Ecumenical Council of San Diego County as its treasurer for many years. Each year his church sponsors a commemoration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King on January 15, the actual birthday of Dr. King. Rev. Ard is chairman of the United African American Ministerial Action Council. Among its tasks is the sponsorship of an annual breakfast gathering for greater San Diego to celebrate the accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King and to foster interracial harmony and justice.
Cheryl Keenan
Cheryl Keenan is originally from Phoenix where she owned her own construction company and real estate company. She graduated from Arizona State University with BA and MA degrees. Her business included working as a consultant for affordable housing in Phoenix. She and her husband reside in La Jolla and are members of Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Cheryl began her work for Habitat for Humanity in October 2001. Habitat for Humanity was then building one or two homes per year. Under her leadership Habitat for Humanity has completed 50 homes and plan to complete their 100th home in 2008. Habitat for Humanity is a Christian organization but ecumenical in its mission. Affordable housing is available to any qualified family regardless of religion.
Pastor Jim Donahoo
Pastor Jim Donahoo is being honored for his contributions to his church and community and for his continued zeal for the Christian ministry at the age of 91. He is in the church office or in people’s home every day of the week, caring for elderly shut-ins, making hospital or nursing home calls, or helping lead a worship or memorial service. He has been a member of Community Congregational Church (UCC) in Chula Vista, CA, since 1957. During his years of service, he served as Lay Minister of UCC Church in San Ysidro and presently is a Licensed Minister in the UCC serving as Minister of Visitation. He has served his church in various capacities including Moderator, Chair of the Diaconate, member of the Pastoral Relations and Personnel Committees, Moderator of the San Diego Association, and Board of Directors of the Southern California Nevada Conference of the UCC.