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
2
from the Director of Development
BGCBRIEF|www.bgckc.org
