A United Front, Couple Gives Back to Community Now and Forever

He loves to dress-down; she loves to dress-up. He's in a t-shirt and shorts; she's in pumps and pearls. He loves hunting and motorcycles; and she loves, well, not hunting or motorcycles. And while they say opposites attract, Rob and Judi McCarthy have spent years together, committing themselves to one common goal: giving back to the Kern County community.

Rob started his business, Lightspeed Systems, Inc. in 1984, and has dedicated his talents to transforming education in the United States through the development of educational software. "We design software that provides a safe learning environment for children while using the internet," says Rob. "We're doing some really good stuff here that will improve children's learning experiences."

For all the business success Rob has achieved, Judi has been equally successful in the many endeavors she has pursued since moving to Bakersfield in 1982 with this home-town boy. From her dedication to volunteering for many local nonprofit organizations to supporting her children and their many school activities, Judi knows first-hand the meaning of giving back to the community. Judi is the immediate past Chair of Kern Community Foundation and Founding Chair of The Women's & Girls' Fund, a leadership initiative that makes grants to local nonprofits to improve the lives of women and girls in Kern County.

"Aside from our current giving of time and resources, Rob and I have talked about the need to do philanthropic things with our earnings once we're gone - we feel the need to do something for our community," says Judi. The couple established the Robert and Judith McCarthy Family Fund at Kern Community Foundation to help facilitate these plans. "We like the concept in that we've got a way to make gifts during our lifetime that will continue making a difference long after we're gone."

"Plus, utilizing Kern Community Foundation provides tax strategies that allow us to give more efficiently," Rob adds. "We believe that by using the Foundation, even after our deaths, our philanthropic wishes can be fulfilled."