This is why we do it…
Bakersfield Angels
Grant for 10K to Bakersfield Angels Non Profit to provide backpacks, shoes and other necessities for foster kids in Kern County. “Every Sole Matters” is a huge assist to foster parents at back-to-school time. A huge thank you to our Board member, Matthew Clark for underwriting a portion of this grant.
Adoption Party
In 2021, CARE granted money for the National Adoption Day after party. The party included clowns, food and beverage and games. The party was held on the lawn of the Juvenile Justice Center where the adoptions took place.
PAL Shop with a Cop
C.A.R.E. has granted $5,000 to Police Activities League in 2021. The children, all between the ages of 8 and 17, were chosen from BPAL’s afterschool program based on attendance, grades and behavior.
Optimal Hospice Foundation
C.A.R.E. has granted more than $40,000 to Optimal Hospice Foundation since 2007 to fund an annual “bereavement camp” for children who have lost a parent during the past year. The summer places similar aged kids together and provides counseling.
Junior Achievement
C.A.R.E. granted $4,800 to Junior Achievement to purchase 1250 money management learning kits for at-risk youth. These kits inspire kids living in poverty to break the cycle and teach them about saving money, using credit and managing money.
Bike Bakersfield
C.A.R.E. granted more than $2,850 to Bike Bakersfield to pay for helmets, bikes and safety classes. Our grant was used to make purchases for children who otherwise might not be able to afford a bike.
Golden Empire Football League
C.A.R.E. granted more than $8,800 to the Golden Empire Football League to pay for helmets and other safety equipment required for play. The league serves hundreds of local youth. This donation offset the cost of equipment for players.
Bakersfield Police Activities League
C.A.R.E. has granted more than $60,000 to the Bakersfield Police Activities League to fund their annual Shop-With-a-Cop holiday shopping spree, build a soccer field, replace wrestling mats and fulfill other needs at the activity center.
National Adoption Day
C.A.R.E. has granted more than $15,000 since 2008 to fund an annual National Adoption Day party each November. This is a celebration of the placement of foster kids into permanent, “forever” homes. About 30 foster children are adopted each year.
Thumbs Up – Cancer Down
C.A.R.E. granted $4,375 to purchase Power Up packs for Thumbs Up – Cancer Down. These packs contain things designed to provide comfort to kids during chemotherapy treatments such as knit caps, portable cell phone chargers and other items to pass the time.
The League of Dreams
C.A.R.E. granted $9,000 to purchase player uniforms for The League of Dreams. The league serves more than 600 disabled children ages 5 to 22 who participate in baseball, basketball, bowling, fencing and dancing. Special thanks to Jonny Perez at Deprigo.
Bakersfield Homeless Center
C.A.R.E. granted $7,326 to purchase 30 Chrome Books for Bethany Services at the Bakersfield Homeless Center for their Champ Camp After School Program serving homeless children in grades K through 8. Special thanks to Joe Gregory at Grapevine MSP Technology Services.