Greater Bakersfield Chamber announces the 2024 Beautiful Bakersfield Award winners
On Saturday night, the Beautiful Bakersfield Awards, presented by Valley Strong Credit Union, recognized the efforts of 86 individuals, businesses and organizations that helped build a better Bakersfield in 2023. There were 640 community members who attended the 34th annual event hosted by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber at Mechanics Bank Theater & Convention Center.
Get ready to be inspired by the following heartwarming and uplifting stories of each award recipient.
A Better Bakersfield
Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente Kern County
An annual event or project that enhances the quality of life in the community.
Children First - East Bakersfield Festival: Children First hosted its 6th annual East Bakersfield Festival, a free community event. The event transformed a sparsely attended space in East Bakersfield into a vibrant, colorful and safe environment, featuring performances by Group Feliz, La Calliope and four dance groups. It offered various health resources and continued to strengthen Children First's efforts and connection with the East Bakersfield community.
Architecture & Design
Sponsored by Ordiz-Melby Architects, A Professional Corporation
The completion of a brand-new interior and/or exterior building design integrating the environment with space and materials.
Beautiful You Medical Aesthetics: Beautiful You Medical Aesthetics opened in Bakersfield. Pam Alvarez and Jill Templeton designed its interiors. The clinic donates to numerous charities and raises funds for scholarships.
Renovation & Tenant Improvement
Sponsored by Vecchio's Pizzeria and Gelateria
The completion of a renovated design that upgrades an existing structure and/or incorporates landscaping to enhance the property's aesthetic value.
The Mission at Kern County: The Mission at Kern County remodeled its Homeless Interventions Services building on East 21st Street. It provides a safe place for clients to meet with mental health professionals and medical staff. The building has additional space for offices and beds and is also a day and cooling center.
Urban Revitalization
Sponsored by City Councilman Andrae Gonzales
An individual, business or organization that has made a meaningful contribution in the past year to placemaking, reimagining how we live, work and play.
Sage Equities - The Cue: Sage Equities opened The Cue at Eastchester Flats, a 49-unit market-rate multifamily development at 1800 Q St. in downtown Bakersfield. Sage Equities aims to transform the downtown landscape by demonstrating the market demand for a luxury urban lifestyle in Bakersfield. The goal is to attract and retain a professional workforce seeking community and connection in a walkable urban setting.
Arts & Culture
Sponsored by County of Kern
Efforts by a group or individual to improve and/or enhance the arts and culture within our community.
Kern Dance Alliance: Kern Dance Alliance received a $4.2 million grant and awarded it to 11 local recipients. Additionally, they conducted their seventh annual “Books in Motion” program, inspiring children to use local libraries. They also concluded their eighth “Shine for Girls: Dance + Math = Success” class, which combines dance and math instruction to improve math skills. These programs elevate the Bakersfield community and support artists.
Education
Sponsored by California Resources Corporation
Efforts by an educator, project or school/college that promote or benefit education in our city at all levels.
Do the Math: Do the Math continued its television segments like "Robots at Work" and "Tools of Mathematics" to teach math to students and show that math is utilized in numerous career industries. Industry partners shared their expertise, offering an inside look at careers in Kern County. These segments foster a deeper understanding of the math curriculum and help prepare students for the workforce.
Health
Sponsored by Heart Vascular and Leg Center
An individual, group or organization impacting healthy living — above and beyond their normal scope of activities — through education, prevention or medical services.
Kern Medical: Kern Medical unveiled its new pediatrics unit on the 4th floor of the main campus hospital, offering state-of-the-art services for the children of the Bakersfield community. Kern Medical also opened the Q Street Imaging Center in east Bakersfield, focusing on women’s imaging services. The new facility houses state-of-the-art equipment that can provide CT scans, ultrasounds, mammography, bone density, x-ray services and more.
Humanitarian Individual
Sponsored by Dignity Health - Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
An individual whose personal volunteer efforts have significantly impacted the community.
Odessa Perkins: Odessa Perkins, founder of emPOWERment Dess Perkins Foundation and a dedicated champion against human trafficking, poured her heart into uplifting the Bakersfield community. From organizing the "Warm Their Soles" Sock Drive to supporting at-risk youth at The Blvd, Odessa's actions radiate warmth and compassion. Her efforts include creating lasting memories, like the Magic Mountain Trip for Youth, and healing experiences like spa days for survivors. Her role in passing SB14 reflects her dedication to protecting vulnerable children and fostering a safer, more caring community.
Humanitarian Group
Sponsored by Chevron
A group whose personal volunteer efforts have significantly impacted the community.
Noel Alexandria Foundation: The Noel Alexandria Foundation offered complimentary educational, emotional and financial assistance to families impacted by pregnancy and infant loss. In 2023, the Foundation procured more than 600 comfort kits, engaged with over 500 families during their annual 5K run/walk and memorial event, and granted $11,688 to families through their memorial fund to assist with funeral expenses.
Small Nonprofit of the Year
Sponsored by Kern Health Systems
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that reported under $100K in taxable income and had a positive impact on the community.
CSF Medical Non-Profit Foundation: The CSF Medical Non-Profit Foundation improved the health outcomes of marginalized individuals by providing healthcare services, personalized attention, medical follow-ups, diagnostics, and surgery. The foundation positively impacted 9,117 residents through its Annual "Sharing the Hope" Community Wellness Health Fair, food distributions, health education sessions and aid for the uninsured.
Large Nonprofit of the Year
Sponsored by Kern Community Foundation
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that reported over $100K in taxable income and had a positive impact on the community.
Bakersfield Angels: Bakersfield Angels matched 71 foster families with volunteers through their “Love Box” program and 129 foster youth with mentors through their “Dare to Dream” program. These programs match foster families and individuals with volunteers who help guide and support their foster care journeys, providing them with someone to lean on and advocate for them.
Next Gen
Sponsored by Kern County Superintendent of Schools
An individual or group in grades K-12 that, through personal involvement and endeavors, has answered the challenge of good citizenship.
Katie Johnson: Katie Johnson served as her school's Associated Student Body President and was a leader of the Black Student Union, Bible Club and Drama Club. She organized food drives, distributed toys at Christmas events, and supported seniors. Her dedication led to her receiving the President's Volunteer Award for contributing over 300 hours of community service. With a 4.2 GPA and three college degrees, she is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in her community.
Young Professional
Sponsored by Clifford & Bradford Insurance Agency
An individual, age 18-40, whose efforts truly impact and enhance the quality of life in the community.
Fatima “Teems” Tulfo: Fatima Tulfo, also known as "Teems," led Kern County's Official Giving Day campaign, Give Big Kern, which raised $965,893 and secured 10,799 volunteer hours for 137 local nonprofits. She also initiated the first Give Big at the Park event, directly connecting over 60 nonprofits with the community. She managed various funds that benefit the local community, focusing on educational attainment, capacity-building grants, and environmental preservation.
Business Person of the Year
Sponsored by Grapevine MSP, LLC
A local business owner/manager whose efforts truly impact and enhance the quality of life in the community.
Larissa Mitchell: Larissa Mitchell, the founder of In The Black Business Services, sponsored local organizations such as the NAACP and the Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce. She empowered businesses and youth through financial literacy workshops and mentorship programs. Larissa’s efforts in supporting entrepreneurial education for 7th-12th graders fostered critical thinking and problem-solving skills, to help build a stronger, more financially savvy community.
Small Business of the Year
Sponsored by Bank of America
A small business (25 employees or less) whose contributions and/or products and services instill community pride.
The Playful Space: The Playful Space hosted creative collaborations, workshops and community events to promote self-discovery, connection and playful exploration. It is committed to using creativity and play as a catalyst for healing. The founders believe that when individuals heal, the community heals, and when communities heal, the world heals.
Large Business/Corporation of the Year
Sponsored by City of Bakersfield
The recognition of a large business (26 employees or more) whose volunteer hours and/or financial donations have made a meaningful difference.
Valley Strong Credit Union: Valley Strong Credit Union donated over $2 million and 6,000 volunteer hours to support initiatives such as financial literacy programs for over 7,000 students. Their leaders are deeply involved, serving on the boards of 50-plus organizations. Through innovative programs like Zogo and "Bite of Reality," they empowered thousands with essential financial skills. Their dedication goes beyond banking, aiming to empower future generations and turn financial possibilities into realities.
Harvey L. Hall Lifetime Achievement
Sponsored by Hall Ambulance Service
A local, long-time community leader, age 55 and over, who has made a lasting impact on Bakersfield and its residents.
Patsy Romero: Patsy Romero was dedicated to our community's fight against cancer and tobacco-related harm. Her accomplishments were evidence of her perseverance, limitless dedication, and deep affection for her community. Motivated by selflessness and genuine concern for others, she poured her heart into the quest for a cancer cure. Her tireless commitment garnered her widespread acclaim and multiple awards.
Patsy's passionate advocacy to shield young people from the grip of big tobacco fueled her relentless pursuit of a local tobacco retailer's permit for Bakersfield — a cause she championed for over 15 years.
Chairman’s Award
This award is chosen from among all nominee submissions and given to the nominee who is recognized for overall excellence.
Night to Shine: Night to Shine Bakersfield hosted its annual prom for people with special needs, ages 14 and older. The event featured a red carpet entrance, free dinner, karaoke, dancing, games, professional prom photos, limo rides, and crowns for all guests. They also provided a pampering experience for more than 300 parents, including dinner, massages and manicures. Last year's Night to Shine, attended by 245 guests and their chaperones, celebrated this wonderful community, making them feel like kings and queens.
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Would you like to nominate a person, business or organization for the 2025 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards? Visit www.beautiful.bakochamber.com today and take a few minutes to submit a nomination to honor someone who makes our community a better place to live. Nominations must be for work completed in 2024 to be eligible for consideration.
No more than two nominations per individual, business or organization will be considered. The 2025 nomination deadline is Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.