A Little Golf…Lots of Fun…Abundant Blessings

The BARC putting contest winners and a few NFL players take time out for a photo opportunity.

When you have a golf tournament in June in Bakersfield, your prayer is that triple digit weather holds off for one more day and that you have enough water on the course for your golfers.  You would never dream of asking for spring temperatures – that would be an outlandish wish.  So when a gorgeous 81 degree day appears on the day of your tournament, you do not question it, you merely give thanks and get on with the business of having a successful tournament.

And that is exactly what happened on June 11th at the JOEY PORTER CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT.  Blessed with extraordinary weather at Bakersfield Country Club and the generosity of our golfers, volunteers, local businesses and visiting NFL players, the day could not have been more perfect.  Joey and Christy Porter proved once again their commitment to their hometown and the people of Bakersfield once again showed how big their hearts are – giving both time and money to support BARC and the Jasmine Nyree Day Center.

Twenty of our Clients enjoyed the day as well, participating in the putting contest, which has become quite an event unto itself, and getting to meet several of the NFL players – Larry Fitzgerald, Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, Channing Crowder, Stevie Baggs and, of course, Joey Porter, and many more.

One more unexpected blessing came our way at the evening’s dinner and auction. After hearing a presentation on the BARC on the MOVE program by BARC Community Inclusion Specialist Melinda Harrison and Client Kevin Wilson, offensive tackle Vernon Carey and running back Ronnie Brown, both of the Miami Dolphins, made generous donations to BARC.  Their generosity will help purchase several new pacers (mobility devices) for our Clients.

It is often the unexpected moments in a day that bring about the greatest opportunity for reflection on the blessings in life.  Watching the NFL players interact with our Clients, the smiling faces of our Clients as they participate in the putting contest, the way Kevin’s story touched the hearts of everyone in the room at dinner and the way two men gave back to a community that is not their own.  A fitting end to a perfect day… Wishes Really Do Come True!