The Junior League of Bakersfield held its 21st annual Wine Fest Nov. 22, raising upwards of $80,000 in order to support local non-profit organizations.
The long-standing fundraising tradition of Wine Fest spotlighted over 20 local restaurants and California wineries allowing the estimated 400-600 people in attendance to sample food and sip on wine. Throughout the night, guests were able to participate in both the silent and oral auctions. Prizes being bid on ranged from subscriptions to the Bakersfield Californian, to private martini parties or gourmet German dinners delivered to your home. Even Mexico get-a-ways were available to the highest bidder.
The recipients of the money raised by Junior League will be decided on in the spring after the Project Evaluation Committee (PEC) carefully screens grant requests from charities.
The process then continues when the board votes where the money will best be used. Although it is not always the case, the main focus of the Junior League is to support non-profits aiming to help women and children such as the Jamison Center, Bakersfield Homeless Center and the Girl Scouts. These are just a few charities as the Junior League supports countless worthy organizations in Bakersfield.
For years, the Junior League has grown to over 400 members comprised of dedicated women, who volunteer their time and energy helping the needy and becoming trained philanthropists in their community.
Former president of Junior League and now a sustainer, who mentors and provides financial support for members, Cynthia Hess is passionate about the cause Junior League represents.
“The Junior League is a special group of women who want to help those less fortunate, and that is a wonderful thing,” said Hess.
One misconception of Junior League is women must young and be of an affluent stature in order to become a member. Hess explained the Junior League consists of women of all ages over 21 and comes in all shapes, colors and financial backgrounds. What is most important is they have hearts that want to help others, Hess said.