In 1978, Jerry Davee suffered severe burns while trying to save a close friend from a fiery plane crash.

He spent nearly two months in the UCSD Burn Center recovering from his severe burns. One year later, Jerry received the Burn Institute’s Spirit of Courage Award for that heroic rescue attempt.

Since that time, Jerry has donated nearly 20,000 hours to furthering the Burn Institute’s important work. Jerry joined the Burn Institute board in 1979 and became board president in 1982, where he served for 10 years. Then in 1992, he became chairman of the board. Through the years, Jerry has presented more than 500 heroes with awards at the Burn Institute’s Spirit of Courage Awards Banquet, and in 2001, Jerry was awarded the Charger’s Champions Community Award for his volunteer efforts at the Burn Institute. His vitality for philanthropic work also landed him the 2002 KPOP “Ageless Hero” Award.

Jerry’s past and present commitment to the Burn Institute have been nothing less than dynamic. Jerry’s legacy includes the establishment of the “Jerry and Carolyn Davee Fund.” An endowment which provides financial support for burn survivors; including college scholarships.