Bakersfield.com

July 16, 2009; Bakersfield, CA:   April 25th felt a lot more like August this year as the stifling heat of summer had already begun to press down the day of the annual “Festival of Beers” at Stramler Park in downtown Bakersfield. The winds were merciless but the crowd of more than 3,000 party goers put to use the complimentary souvenir cups and wine glasses provided, sampling over 125 domestic and imported beers and wines provided by local distributors while indulging in food samples provided by local restaurants. 
 
This important fundraiser is held every year to raise money to help local children’s charities like The Boys & Girls Club. The unique characteristic of the Active 20-30 Club is that after their Board of Directors votes on which charities will receive the money 100% of all donations collected each year goes directly to the designated charities. Not a single penny of the money raised by the Active 20-30 Club is ever spent on administrative costs and it doesn’t take these guys long to turn the money over to those who need it most, either. The “Check Giveaway” dinner and award ceremony was held at the local Boy’s & Girl’s club on June 26th, and $50,000.00 in checks were presented to the various local children’s charities. Thanks to everyone who donated their time, efforts, and most importantly their money, the 2009 Festival Of Beers was the highest grossing, and most successful fundraiser to date for the local Active 20-30 Club. Everyone who contributed was honored with a commemorative plaque and a great dinner from Champs BBQ.
 
Amongst the charities that benefited from this years event included the Henrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic for at risk children, Camp Country Jamboree, which offers children ages 5-14 who have cancer a chance to go to camp, the local chapter of M.A.R.E. a therapeutic riding center serving children and adults with physical, cognitive or emotional challenges, and the Police Activities League (P.A.L.) volunteer police officers and other community members who give their time as coaches, mentors, role models, and friends to at risk youth. 
 
One of those honored for his contributions this year was "Rockwell" of Trout’s & The Blackboard Stages, pictured below, who not only provided the “Tent” & the “Ticket” sponsorships but, at his own expense, Rockwell, who has dedicated himself to preserving the history of the “Bakersfield Sound” and to supporting/promoting the music scene in Bakersfield, immersed himself in the creation and production of the official “Summer Of Love” T-shirt’s commemorating the event. 

 So it seems that there are a lot of people out there doing a lot of good in the community, but no one really ever hears about any of the positive things happening in our community. The Active 20-30 Club and Rockwell are prime examples of what it means to give of yourself for the greater good. To do something, anything, for others without expecting compensation, recognition or even a simple ‘thank you”. People like these guys deserve a lot more recognition, and support from this community, than they currently receive, no doubt about it.