Tera Harden and Brian Pearcy
T
era Harden and Brian Pearcy are always on the move. Whether it’s being involved in and supporting numerous programs throughout the Riverside community or journeying across the USA — and parts of Europe — on a motorcycle, the married attorneys seem perpetually in motion. And Riverside is better for it. An Idaho native, Harden came to Riverside in 2000 and almost immediately began her philanthropic endeavors. She sits on the board of the Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern California, which she’s supported for nearly a dozen years. She’s been involved with Community Connect since 2006, including helping with its Mardi Gras gala, and has served as a board member; she’s been the organization’s treasurer for the past two years. Last year she participated in the local edition of “Dancing with the Stars,” which benefited the Janet Goeske Foundation. And, the criminal defense attorney is actively involved with Riverside Youth Court, a highly successful diversion program. Pearcy arrived in Riverside in 1979 to attend UC Riverside. He was a full-time police officer for many years before
becoming an attorney, now specializing in business litigation and real estate. He also serves as outside counsel for small and medium-sized businesses. Pearcy has sat on and chaired the Riverside Police Commission, among several other city commissions and committees. In 2002, in conjunction with the Riverside County Bar Association of which he was president, he started the Elves Program, which provides gifts and other items to needy families at Christmas, last year aiding more than 200 people. He’s also involved with the Law Enforcement Appreciation Committee, the Downtown Business Improvement District and the Downtown Chamber of Commerce. If that didn’t keep him busy enough, on the weekends he donates his time as a reserve police officer in Los Angeles, riding the beat atop a motorcycle. Together, the two are avid supporters of Riverside County Regional Medical Center Foundation’s Festival of Trees. They estimate they spend between five and 10 hours each week on their charitable efforts. “We wanted to start at an early age giving back,” says Pearcy. “We both come from service-oriented families
and we want to help the community that’s helped us.” Bobbie Neff, CEO of Community Connect, has known Harden and Pearcy for more than three years and is effusive in her praise. “They are both so special because they just give continuously to many, many community causes. They basically never say no,” she says. “They don’t just give lip service. They roll up their sleeves and work really hard. They are both very involved.” And they plan to stay that way. “As long as we’re here in Riverside we’ll be actively involved,” Pearcy says. Adds Harden: “Riverside has a smalltown feeling. I see us involved for a long time.” Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern California 909-558-3419, http://ccfsocal.org Community Connect 951-686-4402, www.connectriverside.org Festival of Trees Riverside County Regional Medical Center Foundation 951-486-4213, http://rcrmcfoundation.org RCBA Elves Program Riverside County Bar Association 951-682-1015
Gerald ‘Bummy’ Burstein
G
erald “Bummy” Burstein says his “bucket is empty.” While most people merely compile that list of what they’d like to accomplish in a lifetime, Burstein has gone about doing it for more than 80 years — and in the process has become a valued and treasured inspiration to deaf communities around the world. “I’ve reached my goals,” explains Burstein through an interpreter.
Born deaf in Brooklyn, N.Y., the 84-year-old Burstein has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments. Among them: honor student, Eagle Scout, professional basketball referee, solo pilot, and college graduate (with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees). “I wanted to show the world that we deaf can do it, I proved it. Most hearing people are not really familiar with deaf people, they’ve never really socialized or