The City of Cathedral City was proud to honor Dirk Tacke as our 2024 Senior Inspiration Award recipient at the 32nd Annual Senior Inspiration Awards on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage. The City recognizes his invaluable contributions and the profound impact he has had on the lives of countless individuals. Through his selfless actions, Tacke serves as a shining example of the power of volunteerism and the positive influence that one person can have on their community.
Every year, the County of Riverside and the Coachella Valley’s nine cities honor senior citizens 60 years of age and above who inspire others through their volunteerism and active engagement in the community. This annual event honors these unsung heroes for their ongoing contribution and dedication to our communities.
Dirk Tacke’s write-up in the Senior Inspiration Awards program:
Dirk, 70, was born in Anchorage, Alaska, where his father was stationed as a doctor serving in the Air Force. Dirk grew up in Ligonier, Pennsylvania.
Dirk attended Princeton University and Hamilton College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in English in 1975. With a diverse background in education, he went on to become a teacher. Dirk taught middle school English and drama at the Cathedral School for Boys in San Francisco and Princeton Day School. He also coached track and running teams.
Professional success for Dirk is determined by how well his students were prepared for the next stage in their lives. He taught them to think critically and be good people. Dirk taught for 40 years, retiring in 2015.
While in San Francisco, witnessing homeless individuals with children on the streets was a profound wake-up call and a source of inspiration to make a difference, no matter how small.
As a Cathedral City resident since 2018, Dirk has acknowledged the importance of compassion and community support through his volunteer work. He started volunteering with Martha’s Kitchen and the LGBT Center. He primarily volunteers with the Cathedral City Senior Center and the Boys and Girls Club of Cathedral City.
Philanthropy is a cause close to Dirk’s heart, however, he notes that what’s important is not the extent of one’s resources, but the impact created by our actions. The most significant influence on Dirk’s life was his mother, who taught him to understand the difference between needs and wants and shaped his core values. Dirk’s interest in art is steadily growing, as he is rediscovering its joys and significance. Dirk has rescued five Pitbulls. Two have crossed the rainbow bridge. Caring for rescue dogs is a responsibility, one that brings even greater joy into Dirk’s life.
