Meet our founders, Charles and Linda.

Charles was born in Amsterdam, Holland during the beginning of WWII (1941). Since most of his family was snatched away by the Nazis in front of his eyes, at age 2 he ended up in a state-run orphanage for homeless and abandoned children. After 8 years of every abuse imaginable as well as extreme malnutrition, he ran away and “lived” on the streets of Amsterdam as a young boy. Charles made a promise to God that if He helped him survive this horrific start to life, he would spend his life helping other children who need help. He immigrated to the United States and later proudly became an American citizen.

In 1977 he founded Passion 4 K.I.D.S. (Kids In Desperate Situations). Frequently on his days off he went across the bridge into Mexico and “worked” the garbage dumps where literally thousands of little children ranging from 1 year old up to 10 years old scrounged the garbage dumped by these trucks for survival - no homes, no families, very similar to Charles’ upbringing. The stench was unbelievable.

Because of his awful “upbringing” Charles, together with his wife Linda, created Passion 4 Health, a liquid vitamin and mineral company (www.passion4healthvitamins.com) with the hope to build a healthier body and mind and to be able to continue to work with the children by partnering with Passion 4 K.I.D.S. Together they expanded the scope of the charity into a much larger mission.

Charles hopes to be an inspiration to others that how you start out in life doesn’t have to be the ending to your story. With God’s help and hard work, you can make a positive impact on the world.

As an 8-year-old, Linda dreamed of working in the White House. That dream came true when, at age 19, she became a Staff Assistant to President Ford at the White House. She later became Director of Scheduling and Press for President and Mrs. Ford as well as Dr. Robert Schuller at the Crystal Cathedral. She also worked with Dr. Billy Graham for over 25 years in many of his crusades around the world.

Linda is currently the CEO for the company she and Charles started, Passion 4 Health liquid vitamins and minerals, (www.passion4healthvitamins.com) which partners with and supports Passion 4 K.I.D.S.

Linda Van Kessler spends many hours working with children. This is the cause closest to her heart. Having a profound love for children, she opens her heart and arms to countless children who need love, attention, a listening ear and someone just to talk to. Always quick to give a hug or encouraging word, Linda’s own son calls her “the Pied Piper” as wherever she goes, even on vacations in other countries, it isn’t long before she has a group of children following her around. She can often be seen holding 2 or more children per hand as they clamor to be included in the “love”.

In addition to being the Founder of Passion 4 K.I.D.S. along with her husband, Charles, Linda is a Foster Youth Mentor for the County of San Diego as well as a tutor/mentor for foreign students at San Diego State University. She also served on the San Diego State University Parent Advisory Board. She is a Mentor for the Leap Foundation in Los Angeles and an honorary Advisory Board Member for the Charitable Giving Foundation.

Linda and Charles are very hands on with the children they support. In an effort to bring fun and joy to their young, troubled lives, Linda and Charles take them on weekend outings, bowling, to the park, to sporting events, restaurants, etc. They personally try to teach the children manners, ethics, morals and help them navigate the difficulties of life. Because many of the children come from devastating, unstable home situations, the Van Kesslers develop long-term relationships with the children and reinforce to them that they will be a constant presence in their lives for many years to come which allows them to build a level of trust that the children can depend on. Charles and Linda spend many hours weekly visiting “their” kids in the hospital or at home, purchasing and delivering basic necessities of food, clothing and water to the children and serve as a resource of love, compassion and assistance in any way possible to the children and their families they are honored to serve. With a background in media and public relations, Linda organizes all Passion 4 K.I.D.S.’ events and works tirelessly with the media to gain attention for these children in need.