Our first tacos and movie night fundraiser was a success! We raised $1,000 in raffle tickets and tacos, and held a long-needed movie screening of The Bullitt’s Burden. The film brought a sense of solidarity to the local cyclists in the crowd of over 40 people, as most of us who ride bikes are touched by both the beauty of the bike and the destruction a traffic collision can cause.
First and foremost, thank you to Valerie, Betty, and Doug Berens, Jaimi Goolsby, and the entire Berens clan who made the tacos, pitched in a whole bunch of love and work to set up, prepare, and cook the delicious food we had that night. They coordinated volunteers and support from local schools, collected raffle prizes through their own donations and talking with local businesses, and they also prepared and served the delicious tacos, rice, beans, veggies, and fresh salsas we enjoyed for a perfect summer evening. It was so great to see unexpected raffle items be brought to the table as the line for tacos kept going! Without them and their entire family this event would not have happened!
Special thanks to Cafe Smitten family who welcomed us and allowed us the great outdoor space and popped a couple kegs just for our event! We are lucky to have such great support and care from Stacie, Shai and the whole staff.
Special shout out to Finish Line Bikes‘ Christian, Anthony and all the staff. They not only gave us a 2021 Giant Escape 3 as a grand raffle prize, but they always show up and show out for the community and Bike Bakersfield. It was great to crack a beer with these great people and just relax outside a work environment.
Thanks to Pac West Sound who hooked us up with the equipment on a tight schedule and budget! We appreciate their continued support of our programs and the community in general.
We truly appreciate that Councilman Andrae Gonzalez came out to watch the film and say a few words. The work he has done to improve the roadway conditions for residents and those working in the Downtown area have been tangible and transformative in encouraging more people to opt in to active transportation and cycling in the ward he represents.
We’d like to specially thank the filmmaker, Chase Bauer of the Weather Field, who was excited to hear a screening of his film would be happening in Bakersfield where had not been since filming. Also, thanks to Maja Perez who helped us invite Lloyd and Walt Klingenberg to our showing. We are so thankful that both Lloyd and Walt attended our event, and their support for us holding this event and screening this movie is greatly appreciated. I hope we commemorated Blaine and his life in a respectful way.
You can read our review and the impact of The Bullitt’s Burden on us here.