BGC Brief - Winter 2023

Board of Directors Rob Duchow

President of the Board Southern California Gas Company

Letter

When I was asked to chair the upscale, tasteful, and completely moldable fundraiser that is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County’s ‘Farm to Table(aux)’, my first thought was, “Gosh, they really think I’d be a good fit for this?”

MacKenzie Boone Vice President Ascend Real Estate

Amir Zabrani

Treasurer Bank of the Sierra

Don’t get me wrong, I was smitten with the idea, and I’m no stranger to the Clubs, not to mention I adore all forms of art and this specific program has always entranced me. But, if you’ve never attended ‘Artfest’ or ‘Farm to Table(aux)’ benefiting BGCKC, then you’ve never been transported out of Bakersfield while still firmly planted in the valley.

Matt Damian Secretary Umpqua Bank

Scott Andrews

City of Bakersfield

Alan Avery

Kern Family Health Care

Alex Balfour

Cushman and Wakefield/Pacific Commercial Realty Advisors

Greg Broida BroidaCo Auto

Lynne Carrithers Aera Energy, LLC

Michael George Safe 1 Credit Union

Jimmy Gill

Gold Leaf Farming

Rasmus Jensen Tri Counties Bank

Larry Koman Koman Homes

Ben LeBeau

LeBeau Thelen, LLP

Marivic Louey Kern Energy

Kristin Monsibais

Williams Adams & Company, CPAs

Timothy J. Simmons MOC Incorporated

Bryce Sterling StructureCast

Zane Smith

Executive Director

Barry Hill

Associate Executive Director

Legacy Board Ken Carter

Watson Realty

Jason Cohen

UBS Financial Services, Inc.

Janice Meek Retired

Gloria Williams

Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County

The event guest list grows organically each year as we keep it intimate enough so we may interact with all guests, but also sizable to accommodate a few new faces. This year, we were able to host around 650 of our donors, colleagues, and esteemed partners in service in support of 70 locations and various programs right here in Kern County. With Pablo Picasso as our artistof-inspiration this year, our talented team knocked out a Spanish-French fusion style in food, drinks, and entertainment. If you don’t know, Picasso was born in Spain but spent most of his adult life in France.

I am nothing if not a glorified point-of-contact for the dedicated committee members of whom I served with this year, ranging from team members (employees), board members, Club management, outside volunteers, donors, and liaison for major businesses, all coming together to make the event unforgettable for guests. With goals set, we began planning in February for our October 2023 event, and we were constantly adapting to new ideas to create a ‘WOW!’ factor that I believe we achieved.

From a hand-passed champagne wall upon check-in, to the fireworks display and SWAG bags at the close of the event, we took the idea of entertaining our guests and made it larger than life. The artworks provided by local artists and the children of the Clubs were nothing short of true masterpieces, and the excitement we get to share in when we tell a child at what amount their art piece sold for is truly a priceless experience. At one point during the event, I was allowed on stage to thank some of our generous sponsors, and what a breathtaking experience it was to stare out into the crowd and see many familiar faces, all gathered in the spirit of giving and supporting children in Kern County.

I was floored at the generosity of all who attended the event. A part of my heart will always belong to the Clubs and families that we serve, so witnessing others give freely to our community was touching. It makes such a difference in one’s perception of humanity, in times where the future can seem unpredictable. If you have contributed to BGCKC, I can say with certainty that you are forging a path of reliability in a child’s life.

I am proud to serve the board, committee(s), and Clubs any way I can, and I hope that you feel the same inclination to get involved in something that sets fire to your soul in the best way possible, as I have.

MacKenzie Boone Board Vice-President

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from the Director of Development

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Alayah attending the 2023 Down Syndrome Awareness Day.

In a small corner of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County, amidst the laughter and play, there’s a shining star named Alayah, a spirited young girl who has become an inspiring figure, not only for her peers but for the entire community.

Alayah has been attending the Suburu Club location at her school since kindergarten. As an energized six-year-old, she enjoys the activities that happen on the playground where she can run, dance, sing and play games using her imagination.

From the moment, Alayah stepped through the doors, she was greeted with open arms, and it wasn’t long before she became an integral part of the Club’s vibrant community. Her favorite Club team member, Charlotte Smith, connects with Alayah through music and song. Frequently, there are impromptu

Alayah was excited and ready to go for her 1st day of first grade.

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dance parties to the music from the Movie “Rio” or “Frozen” over breakfast and while waiting for activities to begin. According to Charlotte, “Alayah loves her music and it’s a great way to show her my appreciation for her good behavior and being kind to others. All I have to do is sing “Get it…Get it…Get it Girl” from Disney’s animated movie, “Rio” and her shoulders start to move to the rhythm. Next thing you know, it’s a full-out dance party and it’s contagious with other friends joining in. I look forward to having Alayah in my group every day because she has such a big personality and enthusiasm for my activities.”

Alayah’s infectious spirit has a way of breaking down barriers. Her radiant smile and boundless enthusiasm have touched the hearts of both children and adults alike. The Club is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for children of all backgrounds and this dedication to inclusivity had not only enriched Alayah’s life but has also broadened the horizons of those around her.

Alayah’s Mom says she’s friendly to everyone and she’s always personality-plus. At home, when she’s not dancing to everything Disney, Alayah is busy with her sisters Maliah and Scarlett taking care of their two dogs and their goldfish, as well as having adventures with her collection of Barbies. She loves making up her own choreography and she knows all the lyrics to “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” Her favorite show is, ”A is for Adley” which is a series of videos promoting education, adventure and friendship starring a rambunctious eight-year-old.

Kern County watch out! This is one six-year-old club member who is singing and dancing her way to a bright future. We can’t wait to find out what the future holds for the Amazing Alaya!

Alayah celebrated Frozen theme day at school by wearing her favorite shirt.

Active 20-30 Club of Bakersfield Vince Aguilar Justin & April Ahart Paul Andre Scott Andrews Timothy & Caitlin Ashlock Ariel & Abby Auffant Alan Avery Alex M. Balfour Larry & Kay Bardin Adam Belter Cathy Bennett Aimee Blaine MacKenzie Boone Greg & Rose Broida John & Jean Browning Charles & Theresa Bush Juan & Sabrina Cazares Gary & Donna Cross Mickey & Alex Cushine Mike & Maggie Cushine Matt Damian Chelsea Dow Ken & Marjorie Dow Karla Espinoza Mark & Becky Evans Alexandria Fabbro Melissa Fortune & Bruce Beretta Christine Frazier

Fanny Gama Justin & Megan Garant Monica Gonzales Renee Goodwin Robert & Jerry Haner Matthew & Shelly Hewett Barry Hill Cynthia Huggins Edgar Jacobs Larry Koman Allan Krauter & Anna Agenjo Bernie & Lynn LeBeau Ryan & Frances Lewis Andrew Lopez Quon & Marivic Louey Christopher Lowe Zachary Martindale Erlinda Martinez Natalie Martinez Renee Massey Janice Meek Karinna Mendoza Peggy Miller Ruth Miranda Chris & Jovan Molina Alex & Kristin Monsibais Jonathan & Mary Anne Mueller Shannon Ogilvie Dale Oprandy

Randy & Mary Richardson Bruce Saathoff & Tony Cervantes Saber Insurance Agency Darin Schwicker Tim & Christy Simmons John & Christina Sistrunk Paul Skarphol Zane & Amy Smith Mark Steele Bryce & Ashlyn Sterling Keith Stonebraker Carol Sugimori Linda Sullenger Robert Tafoya & Sandra Serrano Josh & Susan Wall Deborah Wood

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Thank you sponsors G OL D S PON S ORS

S ILV E R S PON S ORS

B RON ZE S PON S ORS

FEATU RE S PON S ORS

IN -K IN D S PON S ORS /PARTN E RS

F O OD & B EV E RAG E S PON S ORS /PARTN E RS

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Thank you auction item donors American Safety Services Arnie Johanson Auntie Mae’s Sweet Tooth Bakersfield Condors Bakersfield Pilates & Barre Bella Boutique BGCKC BMW Management, Inc. Brainy Actz Bryce Sterling CALM Cat Webb Cathy McAllister Chris Molina Cigar Mas Fino Country Lane Boutique Danielle Windes Ed Jacobs EZ Tan Fanny & Silvestre Gama Gisselle Fernando

Greg Broida Guarantee Shoe Center Gypsy Rebel Happy Whole You Harlitos Bracelet Company House of Talulah Ivan & Bree Bogacki Jordano’s Kan Pai KC Steakhouse Kelly Archer Kern County Family Magazine Kern River Golf Course Kevin Harvick Foundation KGET Channel 17 KRRJ Collectibles Lengthwise Linda Sullenger LVL Fitness Maggie Cushine Marivic Louey/Kern Energy

Martin Pinedo Nanette Bonilla Norma Schaefers/Tachi Palace Opal Aesthetics Penny’s Gems Pepsi Co. Poise Pilates+Barre Priscella Itliong Bacus Rick Kriser Rick Mossman/Mossman’s Rosemary’s Family Creamer Sandrini’s Public House Shannon & Marc Caputo Sip and Style Stockdale Country Club Sugardaddy’s Women Boutique Sweet Surrender Tim Simmons Tony Gasca Vince & Caneel Aguliar

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“This structured environment is good for my daughter. She can interact with peers outside of a classroom setting while experiencing a diverse range of activities that encourage socialization and collaboration with the development of interpersonal skills,” shared by a parent of a child in our new I/DD program (children and adolescents with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities - I/DD. “Children with Exceptional Needs” is the phrase that comes to mind combined with the words “Exceptional Opportunities” to describe our pilot outreach program to address current members of our Boys & Girls Clubs as well as engage other children in the community.

As part of our Boys & Girls Club California Alliance and our collaboration with local agencies that address I/DD (which has an array of development classifications) we have opened our doors, minds and hearts to children who may benefit from our enrichment, education, and social bonding programs.

Team member working with Club youth.

We can say that this venture in taking a deeper dive in the I/DD arena has definitely challenged, stretched, and taught us valuable and important youth development lessons that will not only impact our ability to serve children with exceptional needs, but to serve all children. Our goal is to help every child experience personal growth and fulfillment while at the Club. We started by identifying our agency partners in this field and hired a professional consultant to train team members in building knowledge, skills, strategies and connecting with resources that could be useful in working with children.

We were then fortunate enough to engage a seasoned former school administrator, Warcester Williams, to work with our parents and team on establishing individual plans for each child. He networks to align with schools that our children attend and where they already have plans in place; coaches our team on specific scenarios focused on safety for everyone; provides on-going training; and helps us adapt our youth development strategies to incorporate services for children with exceptional needs.

Where are we now? We are still in our infancy…but, we’re progressing. This effort has refocused our attention to existing children in the program that fall into this category and support them in enhanced ways. We have new members trying the Club out and engaging with the team and other children. Every child is different, so this is a process. And in some cases, it works very well. We still have challenges with children who may have incontinence issues, those who physically act out, or children who are classified as “elopers.” And while the bathroom situation resolution is still in the works, we have had some luck identifying the triggers for our “elopers” (which happens with many children not in the I/DD category) and of course, the reimagining of our facility safeguards to keep children from leaving program locations is ever evolving.

Despite some of the challenges, the new I/DD program is so essential for serving youth in our community and we are committed to making it work. And as always, we are grateful for the support from our community – local, county, and state, that allows us to expand our reach and further our mission of serving children who need us the most.

Club Members prepaing for after school program.

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Amidst the excitement and applause, Jill felt a growing desire to give back to the community that had nurtured her talent. Then, about 10 years ago while directing theatrical workshops, she was approached by one of the participants’ parents—Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County’s Executive Director, Zane Smith. Zane was looking to start up a performance arts team to help build awareness and connections for the Club throughout the community. She accepted the challenge and brought along her colleague, Frank Sierra and the rest is BGCKC performing arts history—as in Stage Door Academy and Music Fusion!

In the heart of our community, there resides a woman whose talent and passion have not only graced the stage but also helped shape the dreams of the next generation. Meet Jill Burdick, a multifaceted performer turned performing arts instructor at the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Jill’s journey into the world of performing arts began at a young age. She grew up in a musical family, being the youngest of four sisters. Jill’s family would often sing little tunes on road-trips and they would play instruments for each other during holidays at family gatherings where Jill’s specialty was the flute. Jill was born and raised here in Kern County, and she attended East Bakersfield High. She earned her AA degree from Bakerfield College and her BA degree from California State University, Bakersfield.

While at Bakersfield College, Jill took theater class and voice class, and it was then that she felt like she had “found her people,” says Jill. She went on to say that “It was exhilarating to realize I could hone my skills and craft and that there was so much more that I had to learn.”

Jill has performed throughout California both as a chorus member and as a soloist. She has also performed in New York, San Antonio, as well as Cairns and Sydney, Australia. She enjoys performing many music genres, but Frank Sierra and Jill Burdick her favorites are Opera and Jazz.

In addition to choral performances, Jill has also held some local theatrical roles in As You Like It at the Kern Shakespeare Festival, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at Stars Theatre, Into the Woods at Bakersfield College, and Goodbody’s Gold at Gaslight Melodrama Theater.

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Jill’s teaching style is a harmonious blend of discipline and creativity. She believes in providing a supportive environment where students can explore their talents, learn the fundamentals of acting and singing, and develop their own unique artistic voices. Through a mix of structured lessons, individual instruction, and group exercises, she empowers her students to step into their own spotlight, instilling confidence, and self-expression. Jill says that she, “loves getting to help the kids realize their full potential through performance. They are all so unique and talented, and I love seeing them thrive and learn about who they are through music, acting, and dancing. I love seeing them share themselves and their passions. I feel honored to get to be a part of their journey in some small way.”

Jill expressed that the Club, “is not just a place for employment, but a place where you can grow and create.

You get to be part of something bigger than yourself.

Ultimately, if you allow yourself to give of yourself and help others, you will see that others will do the same for you in ways you didn’t realize you needed.”

The ripple effect of Jill’s dedication to her students is evident in the blossoming young artists who have flourished under her guidance. Some have gone on to pursue careers in the performing arts, while others have gained invaluable life skills such as teamwork, communication, and selfconfidence.

Jill Burdick, not just a singer, actor, or teacher, but a shining example of the profound impact one individual can have on a community. Through her passion, dedication, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of the arts, Jill is shaping the dreams of a new generation of performers. Her story is a testament to the enduring influence of local talent and the boundless potential that lies within us all.

Burdick family preparing for a group performance.

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OF KERN COUNTY

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