about us

We established a non-profit, 501(c)3 foundation, Tax ID 81-2925388 referred to as the Live Like Kayla Foundation for the purpose of keeping our beautiful daughter Kayla’s spirit alive while providing college scholarships and sponsorships for high school students who exemplify Kayla’s personal values. In addition, we provide humanitarian services to those in need in our communities and abroad.  The Foundation will continually guide our communities toward faithfulness, excellence, and service to God and our neighbors. The power of Unity through “Kayla’s Blessings”...

who are we​

LARRY CASTRO (DADDIO)
President

Founder  of a cyber security company Stealth Grid and started a  ministry with his daughter  named All In  Ministry.  He has  also been a golf professional for over 30 years and has 6 children. Kayla was the only girl with 5 brothers Andy, Larry, Tyler, Zach and her  bud, Kota (Kota Bear).

ALLISON COOK CASTRO
VP/Treasurer

Kayla’s best friend and mother. Owner of Sweet Charmer,  catering and event planning company in Southern California.

MCKENZIE “KEN” COOK
Founder/Director &  Papa

McKenzie cook (82) is a classic american entrepreneur and motivator, having started business in the High Tech (PROXIMA), Real Estate (EQUISHARE), Equipment Rental (Rent-it Service), Retail, (Cook's Corner) Retail Nursery (Nurseryland & Growing Grounds), Plant Growing (Springtime Growers and Oregon Garden Products) and The Christmas Tree Industry (Signature Trees and McKenzie Farms. All endeavors were leaders in their respective business sectors.

McKenzie "Ken" Cook has been married to Mary Lou Cook for 58 years and have four children (Carey Anderson, Allison Castro, Amy Davis and Tom Cook, along with 14 grand children and two great grand children.

McKenzie Cook attended Oregon State University and The University of San Diego.

McKenzie Cook and Mary Lou Cook reside in Welches, Oregon and La Quinta, California.

JERRY HALAMUDA
Director

Jerry Halamuda (69) is a self-made entrepreneur, a business leader and passionate in the nursery industry. He and his partner, Michael Vukelich started color spot nurseries and built it into the largest color and plant nursery in the United States. Since retiring, he is a consultant to the nursery, plant growing and related industries.

Jerry Halamuda attended San Deigo State University.

Jerry Halamuda is married to Ellen Halamuda and have four children. They reside in Rancho Bernardo/Poway, California.