Kim Waltrip - Biography

Kim's career began in New York City as a model for the Wilhelmina Agency, in 1976. She traveled the world and has lived in Paris, Milan, Cannes, Munich and Zurich. In 1998 after the death of her friend Sonny Bono, Kim moved to Palm Springs where she began work as the District Director for Congresswoman Mary Bono. There she helped establish the "Mary Bono Walk for Children's Charities," the "First Annual 44th Congressional District Mock Congress," the "Congressional Art Competition" was the liaison for the "Triangular Adoption" program which required detail discipline and a commitment to go to sea with the U.S. Navy in celebration of Assault Helicopter Warship's duties. She also established and produced the Semper Fi Memorial Honor Detail "Again They Serve" which took the top award in all services of the military and established the "Congressional Recognition for Service to the Country" certificate that is given to the families of fallen military members. She has served on the Board of the Olive Crest Homes for Abused and Neglected Children's Foundation, who honored her with the "Angel of the Year Award." She is a former Board Member of Palm Springs Women in Film and Television and was honored with the "Desert Diva Award" at the Broken Glass Awards in 2012. Kim has served on the advisory board of CBS Local 2, the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, the Tour de Palm Springs and has organized numerous events, tournaments and galas for a variety of charities including the Concert for Katrina and the Hurricane Sandy Relief Benefit for the Red Cross. She is the event chair for the American Cancer Society's Desert Spirit Gala for 2016. Kim was honored with the "Aide de Camp" award by the Semper Fi Memorial Honor Detail, the "Woman of Distinction" in the Arts by American Pen Women. and the Appreciation Award from the Semper Fi Memorial Honor Detail again in 2011. She has been awarded the Congressional Recognition for Service to the Community, the "Desert Visionary Award" by the Women's Leaders Forum, the Woman of Distinction Award by the California State Assembly, District 42 and the "Entrepreneur of the Year" award by Palm Springs Life Magazine in 2013.