Sterling Silver
The Sterling Silver Gala is the crown jewel of Bakersfield College Foundation events, celebrating the individuals and companies whose generosity makes an innovative and meaningful college education possible for Kern County students. This special evening brings “all the sparkle” and features a delicious meal, prepared by BC’s chefs and culinary students, paired with curated wines to bring out the best flavor possible.
This multi-course dining experience and awards ceremony is always a sellout, bringing together community leaders, philanthropists, and supporters of Bakersfield College. The Sterling Silver Gala is held in the Renegade Event Center atop the new Campus Center building. A portion of proceeds benefit the Sterling Silver and the Culinary Arts Scholarships.
16th Annual Sterling Silver
Saturday, March 16, 2024
Renegade Event Center
Bakersfield College
5:30 p.m.
CLICK HERE FOR 2024 STERLING SILVER SPONSORSHIPS & TICKETS
This year’s honorees include:
California Resources Corporation, Corporate Philanthropist of the Year— California Resources Corporation (CRC) is being honored for their years of supporting STEM and other programs on campus, and for their more recent, generous funding of the Kern Community College District’s CRC Carbon Management Institute. The work of the Institute focuses on deployment of emerging technologies to sequester carbon emissions, processes which climate and energy experts have identified as vital in order to accomplish an expedient and successful global transition to a carbon neutral future.
Jeffrey and Amy Bell, Individual Philanthropists of the Year— Jeff and Amy Bell established their scholarship for BC students in 2011. Since then, the couple has grown the fund by making monthly contributions that directly influence our students’ success now and in the future. Jeff is past chair of the BC Foundation Board of Directors and has been a director since 2011. Jeff is a strong proponent of higher education because of the impact it’s had on his own family. His commitment goes beyond board-related activities, and he devotes time to campus functions that allow him to meet and encourage students to stay on the path toward achieving their educational dream.
Dolores Salgado, BC Foundation Service Medal— Dolores Salgado is a registered civil engineer, and is Group Leader at Ardurra Engineering. She plays a vital role in and devotes much of her time to BC’s Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement program (MESA). Dolores chairs the BC MESA Industry board, and she leads academic and industry partners in enhancing, expanding, and sustaining the college’s MESA program. Dolores has organized outreach initiatives that help with enrollment, and she also donates and fundraises for campus programs.
Community Partner Award, Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK)—CAPK is a tremendous supporter of the Basic Needs program at Bakersfield College, helping feed students on campus, and even neighbors in the community. In the first 10 months of 2023, CAPK had provided nearly 81,000 pounds of food to the food pantries at the Panorama Drive and the Delano campus. In January 2023, the college partnered with CAPK to hold monthly farmer’s markets for the BC family and the surrounding community. Since January, free produce has been provided to more than 4,000 members of our community.