Annual Gala Honors Kimberly Hunt , Emmy-Award winning Journalist and Billy Ray Smith Jr.
For decades, The Nice Guys of San Diego have represented the very essence of philanthropy, compassion, and community spirit, quietly making an extraordinary difference in the lives of San Diegans facing unexpected hardships. Founded in 1979, this respected charitable organization brings together dedicated individuals united by a simple yet powerful philosophy: helping people who find themselves in difficult circumstances through no fault of their own. Unlike many traditional charitable organizations, The Nice Guys are particularly recognized for providing direct, practical assistance to individuals and families experiencing financial emergencies, helping with essential needs such as housing, utilities, transportation, and medical expenses. Their remarkable legacy of generosity has touched countless lives, demonstrating that even the smallest act of kindness can have a profound and lasting impact.
On Saturday, October 10, 2026, the magnificent Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina provided the setting for the 46th Annual Nice Guy of the Year Gala, an elegant evening celebrating generosity, friendship, and the extraordinary individuals who have helped shape San Diego's philanthropic landscape. The black-tie-optional affair brought together family, friends, colleagues, and community supporters for an evening of dining, entertainment, and heartfelt recognition.
This year's distinguished honorees were Emmy Award-winning ABC 10News journalist Kimberly Hunt , Emmy-Award winning Journalist, and her late husband, beloved former San Diego Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith Jr. Together, the couple embodied the organization's enduring values of integrity, kindness, and service. The evening was chaired by Neil O'Connell, with longtime friend and broadcaster Scott Kaplan serving as master of ceremonies. Beyond the celebration, the gala supported the Nice Guys' continuing mission of assisting San Diegans in need, with a portion of the proceeds designated for the California Association of Highway Patrolmen Widows and Orphans Trust Fund.
The evening's most poignant tribute celebrated the remarkable partnership and philanthropic legacy of Kimberly Hunt and Billy Ray Smith Jr., whose lives have been intertwined with San Diego's charitable community for nearly four decades. Kimberly, one of the region's most recognizable and respected television journalists, has devoted countless hours to championing causes involving children, veterans, healthcare, law enforcement, and families in need.
Billy Ray, whose distinguished ten-season career with the Chargers made him a San Diego sports legend, was equally admired for his generosity and tireless commitment to helping others. His passing on July 29, 2026, at age 64 lent particular emotional significance to the occasion, transforming the celebration into a moving tribute to a life defined not only by athletic achievement but by extraordinary compassion.
Through their shared dedication to philanthropy, Kimberly and Billy Ray demonstrated that true distinction is measured not simply by professional success, but by the lives one touches along the way. Their recognition as the 2026 Nice Guys of the Year beautifully captured the organization's guiding philosophy: “Offering a hand up, not a handout.”
Photography by Gilda Adler
