Serving the children and families of East Bakersfield!

Mina Mendel

children_first1

🦋 Discovered a fantastic use for our Literacy G

🦋 Discovered a fantastic use for our Literacy Gala butterflies! They now adorn the ceiling of the Williams Elementary School library, adding a touch of magic 🦋 🪄
#cfgala23 #eastbakersfield #literacy

Empower East Bakersfield on Giving Tuesday: Suppor

Empower East Bakersfield on Giving Tuesday: Support Children First's Literacy Program! Help us cultivate a vibrant reading culture by providing essential books and reading materials to this community in need. To contribute, visit childrenfirstbakersfield.org/donate, choose 'buy a book,' and your donation will bring joy through books to East Bakersfield children this holiday season. Consider a minimum donation of $10-15. Your continued support means the world to us!
#givingtuesday #literacy #childrenfirst #eastbakersfield #literacyforall

The second-to-last food distribution of the year o

The second-to-last food distribution of the year overflowed with heart and community backing. Over 200 food boxes reached the East Bakersfield Community, serving both those in cars and those on foot. Gratitude extends to all volunteers, whether seasoned contributors or first-timers. Your efforts are cherished, resonating with the community of East Bakersfield.

Wishing everyone a joyous Thanksgiving next week!

Much love ❤️

#foodinsecurity #eastbakersfield #community #volunteering

It's that time of the month once more! Our monthly

It's that time of the month once more! Our monthly food distribution event is just a week away. To make this event a resounding success, we're reaching out to kind-hearted individuals like you to step up as volunteers.

In particular, we need additional volunteers from 2 to 4 PM. If you have the availability, please send us a direct message (DM) to let us know, and we'll ensure you're included in our volunteer roster.

Your support holds immense value for us, and please help us spread the word!
#foodinsecurity #eastbakersfield #volunteering

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyon

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in our 2023 Literacy Gala : Páginas del Corazón!

Your attendance, sponsorship, donations and purchases that evening will help us provide essential literary resources and educational opportunities to East Bakersfield children and families.

The 2023 Literacy Gala was presented by: California Resource Corporation and Rodriguez and Associates @drodriguezlaw

Thank you to all of our sponsors:
Catrina Sponsor: Pros
Supporting Sponsors: @kern_family_health_care and Sanchez Immigration Law
Supporting Friend: @tricountiesbank
In Kind Sponsors: @luvspuncandyfloss @paletacompany @elcaminobakery @xochitlwines Medica Billing Solutions, @willisandwilliams and @charizma.co

We are also incredibly grateful for all of our silent auction contributions, and the Golden Ticket Raffle from @ca_wine_country_connections_

If you would like to be part of of 2024 event, please join our mailing list! If you’re interested in being a 2024 sponsor, don’t hesitate to reach out by sending us a message or using our website contact form. We will happily send you a first look at sponsorship opportunities for next year!

Once again, thank you for your support from everyone at Children First!

⭐️⭐️⭐️

#eastbakersfield #diadelosmuertos #cfgala23 #bakersfieldnonprofits

🚨BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!🚨 Gala attendees now hav

🚨BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!🚨

Gala attendees now have a chance to win two prizes in our Golden Ticket Raffle!

Win a luxury wine country experience curated by Susan Williams with Connections, Luxury Wine Country Experiences. @ca_wine_country_connections_

We will be giving away one trip to Paso Robles and one to Napa! Both prizes include luxury experiences only available through Connections.

Tickets will be available at the Literacy Gala Friday, Nov. 3 and limited to 200 tickets sold. The winner will be announced that evening. Can’t wait to see you there!

Honoring the vibrant spirits of Dia de los Muertos

Honoring the vibrant spirits of Dia de los Muertos, where love and memories illuminate the path for our dearly departed.

#diadelosmuertos #eastbakersfield

Gala attendees - get ready to enter our Golden Tic

Gala attendees - get ready to enter our Golden Ticket Raffle!

Do not miss your chance to win a luxury wine country experience curated by Susan Williams with Connections, Luxury Wine Country Experiences @ca_wine_country_connections_ . This prize includes luxury transportation, beautiful vacation rental with pool, VIP tour including exclusive elevated tasting experiences only available through Connections. This prize is valued at $4,100.

Tickets will be available at the Literacy Gala Friday, Nov. 3 and limited to 200 tickets sold. The winner will be announced that evening. Good luck and thank you to all who enter!

Our affection for book art has not changed… On

Our affection for book art has not changed…

Once again the gala will be decorated with a variety of books. Our very own @celspalacio aka @cel.tries_art has mastered the art of book folding and created several beautiful books for us. This copy of Pride & Prejudice featuring Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet is just one of the books that will be available Friday.

If you have your eye on an item we’ve previewed, make sure you sign up ahead of time and make bidding at the event a breeze!

#prideandprejudice #bookfolding

The silent auction items are rolling in! We are so

The silent auction items are rolling in! We are so grateful to all of the artists and business who have contributed. There will be some beautiful one of a kind pieces of art, and exclusive luxury experiences available Friday!

Every purchase made at the gala will help us reach our literacy goals for East Bakersfield children and families.

AND — big announcement coming soon about our Golden Ticket Raffle!!!! This raffle will feature an exclusive, elevated experience curated especially for our guests by @ca_wine_country_connections_

Make sure to follow us for updates!

Building dreams might look a bit unconventional at

Building dreams might look a bit unconventional at times. Through our gala’s craftsmanship, we’re creating a brighter future in East Bakersfield. The effort we put into every page, every petal and every structure we craft is worth it so that we can hire more tutors. By attending our gala this Friday, you are helping us nurture a culture of reading that will empower generations to come. Crafted from the heart, our 2023 event is sure to be a magical experience. ♥️📚✨

The Second Annual Children First Literacy Gala is presented by California Resource Corporation and Rodriguez and Associates @drodriguezlaw .

#eastbakersfield #cfgala23

We are so grateful to the in kind sponsors and art

We are so grateful to the in kind sponsors and artists who help make our event the magical experience that it is!

We are honored to welcome back @catrinadivinaofficial and @thesocialvibe

Event documentation by @charizma.co

Social hour music by Jessica and Jeff Ardray

And we’ll close out the night dancing to music by @nsamusiclive

Event design and graphics by @willisandwilliams

Can’t wait for Friday!
♥️📚

Today, Children First organized a memorable day fo

Today, Children First organized a memorable day for nearly 20 families at the CALM Zoo! We embarked on an exciting journey, where we not only discovered the vast grounds but also had the pleasure of meeting a diverse range of animals, all while enjoying a delightful train ride!

These Family Day events are a testament to Children First’s commitment as part of our “Por Amor a la Naturaleza!” program. This initiative has been made possible through the generous support of the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, established under AB 209 and administered by the California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services.

We had a fantastic time and look forward to many more exciting outdoor adventures in the near future!

#outdoorequitygrantsprogram #outdoors #family #parents #padres #childrenfirst

Let’s take a look back at some of our favorite m

Let’s take a look back at some of our favorite moments from our first Literacy Gala ~ The Book of Life. We are grateful to everyone who joined us in 2022 at our inaugural event. This gala raises money to support the Children First Literacy Program. We are looking forward to the Second Annual Literacy Gala on Friday, Nov. 3rd. Our planning committee has been working hard to create a magical evening. Are you joining us? ✨✨✨

Páginas del Corazón is one week away!
♥️
“Pages of the Heart” symbolizes the profound impact that literature has on our lives and emotions.

We are thrilled to be hosting this SOLD OUT event! The Second Annual Children First Literacy Gala will continue to celebrate our love for literacy and honor the departed through Dia de Los Muertos.

The money raised at our gala will fund our 2024 literacy program, and help us continue to strengthen a culture of reading in East Bakersfield.

This event would not be possible without our Presenting Sponsors: California Resource Corporation and Rodriguez & Associates @drodriguezlaw

We will continue to highlight all of our generous supporters, and show off some sneak peeks of this year’s event as we count down to gala day!

Greetings, Bakersfield residents! Our monthly Neig

Greetings, Bakersfield residents! Our monthly Neighborhood Cleanup is just around the corner, taking place this Saturday. If you're available to lend a hand, please send us a direct message to confirm your attendance so that we can plan accordingly. This week, our dedicated Children First board member, @carlos_bello__, will be leading the event. Feel free to seek him out on the day of the event for any assistance or guidance. We appreciate your support!

We express our deep gratitude to our generous spon

We express our deep gratitude to our generous sponsors for making our 2nd annual Literacy Gala possible this year. Your support is what keeps our mission alive!

In just 10 days, our eagerly anticipated gala will take place. It's with immense excitement that we announce our event is completely sold out, and we can't wait to welcome everyone there!
#literacy #gala #sponsor #eastbakersfield #cfgala23

Yet another successful food distribution event! A

Yet another successful food distribution event! A heartfelt thank you to our incredible volunteers. Each and every person’s contribution matters, as it helps provide nourishment to over 200 families in desperate need.

Big shoutout to @joshgandarilla & @love2bekristina for all of your efforts this month and last month! And of course @starbuckspartners @b_gacs @iviera11 @gloriacastr.o for your consistent efforts all year!!

Until next time, East Bakersfield.
#foodinsecurity #volunteering

It's that time of the month again! Our monthly foo

It's that time of the month again! Our monthly food distribution is just around the corner, scheduled for next week. To ensure the success of this event, we're calling on all compassionate individuals to join us as volunteers.

Specifically, we require more helping hands from 2 to 4 PM. If you're available, kindly send us a direct message (DM) so we can include you on our volunteer list.

Your support means the world to us, and please help spread the word!
#foodinsecurity #eastbakersfield #volunteering

Thank you @drybarshops_bakersfield for donating to

Thank you @drybarshops_bakersfield for donating to our silent auction for the second annual Literacy Gala!

This year’s gala will once again honor the transformative impact of literacy amidst the ethereal ambiance of Día de Los Muertos.

Join us to honor the departed and pay homage to the written word. Our event is nearly sold out!
#literacy #gala

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