Bakersfield Trekkies converged on the AMW bowling lanes on Wible Lane on Oct. 10 for the 11th annual Star Trek Bowlathon, dressed up as their favorite Star Trek characters. All proceeds went to the A. Miriam Children’s Center.
The Children’s Center provides abused, neglected and abandoned children of Kern County a temporary safe haven where their needs can be met. Since 1981, when the center was established, more than 200 children have been cared for at the Children’s Center each month.
“We have so much fun planning and playing and raising money for this center every year,” said Jennifer Curtis, co-creator of the Star Trek Bowlathon. “When this fundraiser first started, we brought in $500, but ever since then we have made between $1,500 to $2,000 every year this has been put on.”
Many local businesses around Bakersfield sponsored the fundraiser each year and bring gifts for people to win in an auction.
Other than bowling and dressing up, “Star Trek” fans enjoyed door prizes and a silent auction with great “Star Trek” collectibles, but the biggest thing for fans was a chance to meet Charles Washburn, the assistant director on “Star Trek” and “Star Trek: the Next Generation.” “It was so cool to meet someone who worked on the shows here in Bakersfield, and it’s for a great cause,” said Scott Hallowbrook, a local resident who dressed up for the event. Besides “Star Trek,” Washburn has worked on many classic movies, such as Clint Eastwood’s “Dirty Harry” and the final season of “McMillian and Wife.”
“I’ve only passed through Bakersfield, but it seems like a great town, and it’s for the children,” said Washburn. Washburn is now working on a book called “From The Notes of Charlie Star Trek,” which tells of his entire career with “Star Trek” and other accomplishments.
The event brought in people who were eager to bowl and dress up for the day but also raise money. “This year’s event brought in $2,300 for the Children’s Center, which is absolutely amazing. We hope to go bigger at next year’s event,” said Daryl Curtis, co-creator of the fundraiser.