Last month, we had the pleasure of hosting our Give Big Kern Donor Appreciation Event, a night filled with joy, gratitude, and community spirit. It was a truly wonderful evening where we came together to celebrate a monumental giving campaign.
This year, through the incredible efforts of our community, we raised an astounding $54,000 to support mental health services and programs in Kern County. Here are some highlights of our campaign:
A special acknowledgment goes out to our Peer-2-Peer fundraisers whose efforts were instrumental in our success. You can see the full impact of their work and more details about what we achieved together at Give Big Kern - The Center. A heartfelt thank you goes to Moo Creamery, who provided delicious snacks that made the evening even more enjoyable. Their support added a wonderful touch to our gathering, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. We also want to express our deep appreciation to every donor, volunteer, and supporter who contributed to this year’s success. Whether you donated, shared our mission with friends, or gave your time to help, you have made a lasting impact on the lives of many in our community. As we reflect on the success of this event and our Give Big Kern campaign, we are reminded of the strength and generosity of our community. Thank you for standing with us, for believing in our cause, and for your continued support. Together, we are making Kern County a better place for everyone. Stay tuned for more updates, stories, and ways to get involved by checking our website and following us on social media. Here’s to more achievements and continued collaboration in the future!
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Bakersfield, CA - The Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity is proud to announce its support for “Resonantly Me: A Queer Artist’s Invitational,” a groundbreaking art exhibit curated by Victor Gonzales, hosted at the Bakersfield Museum of Art. The exhibit will run from May 30, 2024, to September 7, 2024, located in the Ablin Gallery. Summer Exhibits Opening Reception:
“Resonantly Me” features forty artists from Southern California, Northern California, and Bakersfield, showcasing the vibrant creativity and unique perspectives of 2SLGBTQIA+ artists. The exhibition celebrates the kaleidoscope of human experience as seen through queer artists, from bold expressions of identity to poignant reflections on society. Participating artists include Donald Bradford, J Carino, Enrique Castrejon, Eli Cather, Luis Felipe Chávez, Ben Cuevas, Rakeem Cunningham, Ruben Esparza, Rebecca Farr, C Fodoreanu, Gabriel Garbow, David Gordon, Chuck Hohng, Carl Hopgood, Chase Irvin, Louis Jacinto, Jason Jenn, Alma Landeta, Ahn Lee, Michelle Jane Lee, Edmund Liang, David Ligare, Humberto Maldonado, Zära Monet, John T.D. Murphy, Ramekon O’Arwisters, Alisyn Palla, Elizabeth Patterson, Vojislav Radovanovic, Lucky Rapp, Yunfei Ren, Christian Rogers, Marshall Sharpe, Suzanne Shifflett, Joey Terrill, Eric Theodore, Brea Weinreb, Tanya Wischerath, Kristen Wong, and Jun Yang. “Our vision is for a community where diversity is celebrated, health and wellness are accessible to all, and every person feels valued, respected, and connected,” said Jesus Martell Gonzalez, Executive Director at The Center. “This exhibit aligns perfectly with our mission, as it emphasizes the importance of representation and provides a platform for queer stories to be told and appreciated.” The exhibit not only showcases the artistic expressions of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community but also fosters emotional resonance and connection among viewers. By engaging with these artworks, visitors can experience the richness and diversity of queer lives, encouraging understanding and empathy. Victor Gonzales, the curator of “Resonantly Me,” has carefully selected works that draw inspiration from California's storied history as a hub for 2SLGBTQIA+ culture and activism. Each piece in the exhibit challenges norms and fosters understanding, creating a dialogue between the artist and th |