Inspired by the San Joaquin Community Hospital to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County was an evening of food, fine wine, art and entertainment at the 14th annual Boys and Girls Club Artfest at the Moorea Banquet Centre on Saturday, Sept. 25.
The event began at 6 p.m. and served as an entry into the silent and live auctioning of art created by local young artists active in the Boys and Girls Clubs of Bakersfield and the sale of other items donated to raise funds for all the clubs here in Kern County.
Guests enjoyed a strolling dinner catered by Champs BBQ & Catering and wine tasting compliments of the seven different vineyard wineries who participated.
“This was our best year ever,” said coordinator Ricki Foster.
One painting titled “Funky Cow” auctioned off for $2,500. It was an art piece painted by young 9-year-old Guadalupe “Junee” Guillen, an active participant in the program.
Guillen’s art piece and those of other kids enrolled in the Boys and Girls Club were the highlight of the evening’s event.
Michelle Fregoso expressed her pride that night as the mother of one young artist, Lilliana Fregoso, 11, who had her first painting done with the club displayed.
Other artists of the evening included Crystal Ramirez, 14, Robert Fajardo, 11, Anna Bales, 14, and the star of the evening, 17-year-old Sean Guerra who won previous awards for his art and painted the signature piece for the occasion titled “Blue Bottle Still Life.” Guerra has been with the program for two years, and he appreciates the experience he’s had with the Boys and Girls Club in that time.
Mike Espinoza, program director of the Boys and Girls Club southwest location, was the master of ceremonies and announcer for the evening. Alec Sangster, saxophone soloist and a Bakersfield College music student, provided entertainment at the front door as the guests arrived.
As the evening unfolded, president of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County Jason Cohen expressed thanks to all the many sponsors, board of directors and to all those who came out to attend and support the Artfest at the ticket price of $60 per person.
Another youth in the program, Olivia Charles, sang the national Anthem and received a standing avation for her performance. The Boys and Girls Club youth choir also provided some musical entertainment as well.
Many guests attended the Artfest and among them were Bakersfield City Mayor Harvey Hall, who gave his comment on the event. “Caring for the less fortunate, caring about kids that need help with education – that’s what the Boys and Girls Club does,” said Hall.
“The community of Bakersfield is always tremendously responsive for turning out, and there is a great crowd here tonight,” said Hall.