SUMMER 2011
Jeff and Stephanie Pickering PA R T N E R S
I N
P H I L A N T H R O P Y
M E A N T TO BE , KE R N NEWCOM E R S H E L PI N G OTH E R S GI V E BAC K
‘‘B
eshert.” Jeff Pickering offers up the Yiddish word, meaning “it was meant to be” to answer a question about how he became president and CEO of Kern Community Foundation. “I first learned of the opportunity in 2009,” says Jeff of the national search to find a new leader for the growing foundation.“I had spent my entire professional career in the nonprofit sector, including four years at the Community Foundation of Central Florida, and I wanted the opportunity to run a community foundation. I never could have predicted Bakersfield was where I’d get my shot.” Jeff liked what he learned about Kern County and its similarities to the Central Florida community where he grew up. “Although I knew I might be perceived as an outsider, I felt comfortable pursuing the job knowing Kern County is a lot like home.” And home is what Kern County has become for Jeff and his family. Together he, his wife Stephanie, and their two children, Colin, 7, and Olivia, 5, have found a real sense of belonging.“The people here are what make this community special,” says Stephanie.
“…Kern County is a lot like home.” —Jeff Pickering
The generosity of local residents is another reason why the Pickering’s feel at home.“We were both raised in families that taught us the importance of giving back,” says the couple.“The people in this community are some of the most generous we have ever met.” Which is good news for Kern Community
Foundation, an organization that serves as a home for local philanthropists. “I enjoy learning of the causes our donors are passionate about, then helping them create or leave a charitable legacy that makes a difference,” says Jeff. The Foundation holds more than 90 named charitable funds established by local donors with assets of nearly $14 million. “We are a young foundation, with a smart, dedicated Board that knew what we wanted to achieve,” says Gene Voiland, treasurer of the Board of Directors. “Jeff has helped us figure out how we do it.” “With Jeff at the helm and a dedicated Board,” says Chairman Keith Brice,“the Foundation is positioned for substantial growth over the next two years. And with the launch of our new Nonprofit Search—an online tool developed to help donors find, learn about and give to hundreds of local charities—Kern Community Foundation is becoming one of the most knowledgeable philanthropic resources in our community.” Jeff Pickering invites you to join the growing community of donors who have established a charitable fund at Kern Community Foundation. Founded in 1999, the Foundation helps local donors practice smarter giving to achieve greater impact from their philanthropy. The Foundation offers a variety of giving options and accepts a wide range of assets for maximum tax benefit, such as: cash, appreciated securities, real estate, life insurance, IRAs, partnership interests and bequests.
Fo r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c a l l 6 6 1 . 3 2 5 . 5 3 4 6 o r v i s i t w w w. k e r n f o u n d a t i o n . o r g
98 Bakersfield Magazine