This is why we do it…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.