Active 20-30 Club gives $38,450 to nonprofits
| Thursday, Jul 21 2011 06:10 PM
Last Updated Thursday, Jul 21 2011 06:12 PM
The Bakersfield Chapter of the Active 20-30 club gave out checks worth $38,450 Thursday night from money it raised as part of the annual Festival of Beers.
The festival, in its 20th year, brings 165 different beers to Bakersfield for residents to try. The April 30 event raised about $100,000, event chairman Jason Browder said. The balance, after costs and the $38,450 are taken into account, amounted to $15,000, and will go to a reserve that facilitates charity requests throughout the year, Browder said.
"We're one of the oldest young men's professional groups still around," he said. "We accept young professionals age 21-39; it's a great way to make friends, volunteer and give back to the community."
Matt Damian, the incoming president of the organization, said charities are chosen based on demonstrated need and ability to quickly reinvest funds back into the community.
"Choosing which charities to donate to is a really difficult task," he said. "We think all charities are deserving."
Damian said the turnout for the fundraiser was "great," and that the people of Bakersfield continue to support their endeavors.
To qualify for a donation from the club, a charity must be based in Kern County and conduct programs that directly benefit children.
Mastering Abilities Riding Equines, or M.A.R.E., a nonprofit that allows children to ride horses as therapy for a variety of ailments, received $6,000. Helen McKee, the program coordinator, said the money would most likely be used in a scholarship program for disadvantaged children or for maintenance and veterinary services.
"With us being a nonprofit, we're always looking for funding," she said.
Other recipients include:
* Boys and Girls Club: $10,000
* Bakersfield Police Activities League: $5,000
* Camp County Jamboree: $5,000
* HEARTS Connection: $1,500
* Boy Scouts of America: $1,500
* Covenant Community: $1,500
* Richardson Center: $1,500
* Deaf Parent-Teacher Organization: $1,200
* Special Olympics: $1,000
* Valley Achievement Center: $1,000
* YMCA: $1,000
* Kern Regional Center: $750
* Project Linus: $500
* Community Action Partnership: $500
* Clinica Sierra Vista: $500
* Charity Reserve for Future Requests: $15,000
