The coolest party in town kicked off Friday night with a temperature hovering around 103 degrees, but you wouldn’t know it from the fun and frivolity that was heard all over the backyard of Joey and Christy Porter.  HOT SUMMER NIGHTS, the newest event on Bakersfield’s social calendar, enjoyed a successful first year, proving that the heat of summer is no match for an enthusiastic crowd and great food.

The evening began with a cocktail hour hosted by PacSeis, Inc., with guests mingling over a variety of spa packages, NFL jerseys and other gift packages at the silent auction tables while enjoying the musical stylings of Darren Gholston.   Lili Marsh of the Petroleum Club and her staff followed with a fantastic Caribbean themed dinner and our wonderful emcees, Jim Scott and Robin Mangarin presided over the festivities.

Before the live auction got started, we took time out to honor three special individuals for their dedication to the developmentally disabled community.  Dr. Michal Clark, Executive Director of the Kern Regional Center, Melinda Harrison, Community Inclusion Specialist at BARC and Kathy Powell, Program Director for the Jasmine Nyree Day Center received awards for their inspirational work.

A formidable football player whose secret talent is auctioneering (no, really – he is that good), Joey Porter got the crowd going with the first live auction item – tickets to an Arizona Cardinals home game complete with airfare and hotel accommodations.  Wes Bradford, a diehard 49ers fan, got into the spirit of the evening by donating tickets to the Cardinals-49ers game in San Francisco, a tailgate party and a night at the beautiful Fairmont Hotel. 

With an eclectic mix of live auction items to choose from, there was something for everyone, including two adorable puppies who found themselves new homes.  Not even a temporary power glitch could dampen Porter’s enthusiasm and energy.

Enough cannot be said about our gracious hosts, Joey and Christy Porter, the hard work of countless volunteers that pulled this event together in the heat of summer and the generosity of our guests.  It was a true team effort for which the Jasmine Nyree Day Center and BARC are truly grateful.

Sometimes the unexpected happens – could be good, could be bad – that’s just part of the deal.  Right before an event is not usually the time to experience the unexpected.  However, there are those rare occasions when a ‘surprise’ ends up enhancing the plan.  This is one of those times and boy, are we excited.

A great event just got even better.  HOT SUMMER NIGHTS is going to be THE place to be on Friday, September 3, 2010 at the home of Joey and Christy Porter.  Not only will you enjoy fabulous cocktails, a delicious Caribbean themed dinner and bid on fantastic silent and live auction items, you’ll get to meet and mingle with Arizona Cardinals linebackers Joey Porter, Clark Haggans and Stevie Baggs, guard and 13 year NFL veteran, Alan Faneca, rookie cornerback and West High grad, A.J. Jefferson, kicker Jay Feely and one or two more surprise guests that you will have to see to believe.

That’s right. NFL Players in Bakersfield just days before the start of the 2010 NFL Season.  This is one party you do not want to miss.

Seating is limited for this incredible opportunity.  Cost per person is $125 or you can purchase a table of 8 for $1000. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a hosted cocktail hour and the opening of the silent auction sections.  Dinner and the live auction – with packages including a New Year’s trip to Vegas and a trip to an Arizona Cardinals game available – will follow at 7:00 p.m. 

Proceeds from HOT SUMMER NIGHTS benefit BARC and the Jasmine Nyree Day Center. Call Linda Hartman at 834-2272, ext. 268 or e-mail her at lhartman@barc-inc.org to make your reservations today!

Celebrate the end of summer and kick off the NFL Season with us!

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!

What events are part of your family’s holiday tradition? Do you go carolling, ice skating or visit the many elaborate and beautiful Christmas light displays throughout the city? How about a trip out to the Holiday Lights at CALM or a visit to the mall to take a picture with Santa? It’s these outings that help make the holidays such a magical time…the ability to gather our family and friends together for entertainment, fellowship and warm memories.

There’s always room for a little more fun and family time and the 4^th annual BARC Magical Forest is the perfect way to do both. This year the Magical Forest will be showcased on our own BARC Campus at 2240 South Union, 1 short block north of White Lane. Enjoy zipping through our beautifully decorated campus on the Grinch Mobile and the Magical Forest Express Train. Stroll through the Forest of Sights and Sounds and feel the enchantment of decorated sets, thousands of lights and maybe even a dinosaur or two…

Santa will be on hand to hear Christmas wishes and take pictures with the whole family. Visit Santa’s Secret Shoppe and Tinker’s Village to take care of your shopping needs and enjoy the delicious treats provided by the BARC Café.

The Magical Forest will be open from December 4th through December 27th (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day); Monday through Friday 6-9 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays 5-9 p.m.

We know the holidays can get expensive so BARC has implemented family friendly pricing to give you a fun-filled evening without breaking the bank. Adult admission is $5, Seniors – $4, Children ages 6-12 – ONLY $3 and children 5 and under are FREE.

Proceeds from the Magical Forest stay locally and benefit the programs of BARC and our other non-profit partners.

For more information call 71-MAGIC or visit the Magical Forest page on our website: www.barc-inc.org to download a coupon for even more savings.

Join us for a little holiday magic…and make a few more family memories along the way.