Bakersfield.com

The 2008 Kern County Day for Kids will have a new Chair starting this year.  The community steering committee has announced the resignation of Mr. Brian "BJ" Mendiburu as it's first-ever and founding Chairman.

"Brian Mendiburu served as Chairman since 2000 and decided to step away and spend more time with family now.  He was blessed with the a precious new baby boy in spring 2007 and did not think it was right to serve on this body and yet be so busy that he had no time for his own family/children," says the new chair, Renee Monsibais-Stancil.  "I have some really large shoes to fill now that Brian has stepped away; but he promised that he will be there with me and for me every step of the way.  I know how important he thinks this event is and we all know how passionate he is about our local youth.  Under his leadership, the event was said to be the largest in the Pacific Region USA in 2005."

Research shows that adults spending meaningful time with young people helps kids develop a positive self-image, and a sense of belonging, usefulness and purpose. Kern County Day for Kids encourages adults and youths to take a break from their busy lives, and enjoy spending time together.

The local event is organized and facilitated by the local Boys & Girls Clubs and they have partners that include Department of Human Services and Kern County of Superintendent of Schools.  Boys & Girls Clubs of America celebrates the importance of establishing stronger relationships between adults and youth by leading the BGC Day for Kids effort. Held annually on the third Saturday in September, BGC Day for Kids was established to encourage adults and children to spend meaningful time together. This year's BGC Day for Kids will take place on Sept. 20, 2008, when millions of adults and youth are expected to participate in a variety of activities.

Brian Mendiburu is a current administrator for Kern High School District, CEO for Mendiburu Magic Companies and President of the The Mendiburu Magic Foundation.  He is married to Valerie Mendiburu and the two have a son named Braden David Mendiburu.

The new chair will start her new position July 7, 2008.  "I think Renee will do a wonderful job and this event is something that Kern County, and the surrounding area, believe in 100%.  We're all thrilled to be involved and have such an impact," says the outgoing chair Brian Mendiburu.  "We've always been blessed with great community partners and we're all lucky to have Boys & Girls Club step up and take the lead even after my resignation.  That does not surprise me as they are always stepping up to the plate and making sure young people are served, period.  I'm just honored to still be involved on the steering committee now." 

Brian continues by saying "...it was a difficult decision for me professionally but something had to give on my calendar and adding my new son on the plate was the right mix for sure.  It would be a poor message to chair something that promotes relationships and time between adults and children and not have that time myself for my own son."

For more information on the free community event, visit www.dayforkids.org or call 661.325.3730.