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Partying with a purpose
Topics: Festival of Beers, 2008, Bakersfield, Active 20/30 Club, Bakotopia, Brew, boys and girls club, charity, Bryan Porter, Christian Beck, Cecil Zimmerman, WA Thompson, Advanced Beverage
Posted by matt Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:39:14 PDT
Viewed 566 times
0 responses 2 comments Location: 3805 Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Partying with a purpose
Bakersfield’s Active 20/30 Club mission to help the kids of Kern County. Don't miss the 16th annual Festival of Beers - April 26th!



By Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia.com contributor

Fraternizing with friends for worthy causes — what a concept?

If that sounds like a reason to throw a party, then the Active 20/30 Club of Bakersfield have managed to take it a step further with the 16th annual Festival of Beers happening on Saturday, April 26, 1 to 5 p.m. at Stramler Park.

This is a party with a purpose.

Simply put, this brotherly group of young Bakersfield professionals doesn’t believe in boredom. Where’s the fun in that?

“We like to have fun, and give back to the community,” said current Bakersfield 20/30 Club President Bryan Porter. “It’s not about work all the time.”


Current Active 20/30 president Bryan Porter (left,) and Cecil Zimmerman.

Bako native Porter — 29, who by day works as Director of Operations at Viscon CA — knows that when it comes to fundraising for children’s charities, the mission of the Active 20/30 Club, Bakersfield will happily raise their mugs to the occasion.

“The Festival of Beers takes six months of hard work to organize,” he said. “All the money we raise goes to children’s charities. Not all of our attendees know that.”


The crowds at the Festival of Beers

Not just limited to the annual suds in the sun fest, the Bakersfield Active 20/30 function year-round as a service club — a volunteer, non-profit organization that meets regularly organizing charitable events to raise money in their community.

Similar to that of other groups like the Rotary Club and Lions, the Active 20/30 of USA and Canada raises funds to help young people in their city. Founded in 1922, the Bakersfield chapter celebrates its 80th anniversary this year.


Members of the Bakersfield Active 20/30 Club and the girls who love them.

And like other service clubs, they do have their own set of membership rules — you must be between the ages of 20 and 40, pro-active in the club’s efforts, and of course — be professional.

“We have lawyers, real estate agents, cops, teachers, people in the gardening business, DJs and self-employed members,” explained Christian Beck, 35, an Active 20/30 Club member and former president and a local mortgage loan consultant. “Everyone is welcome to join our club.”


Brewha fun at the Festival of Beers

Almost everyone — but don’t be put off just yet.

“Our club is for men, but there is also a Bakersfield Women’s Active 20/30,” said Cecil Zimmerman, 33, another former chapter president, who has been an active chairman of the Festival of Beers for the past eight years. “I’ve always appreciated the camaraderie the club provides.”

Regular recruiting methods include membership drives at various local establishments, and mixer events allowing potential new recruits a chance to meet current members.


Bakersfield Active 20/30 Club hangin' at a Dodger game!

“People who come in with the right mindset will join and stay,” said Porter. “This isn’t just about business — there are a lot of friendships involved. I’d say about 80 percent of our members only hang out with other 20/30 members.”

Together as a team of fundraising friends, the Active 20/30 Club’s list of organizations benefitting from events like the Festival of Beers are chosen according to the quality of work they do in the community. Some of these groups include MARE (Mastering Abilities Riding Equines), PAL (Police Activity League) and the Boys & Girls Club of Bakersfield.

“Active 20/30 has been partnering with us for 12 years,” said Zane Smith, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Bakersfield. “They helped underwrite our computer education program with new computers and software, as well as our Summer Day Camp that helps out 50-60 kids a day during the summer. Most of the kids come from homeless shelters, and foster care, and we provide them with transportation to and from the club.”

Smith continued to praise the of Active 20/30 Festival of Beers partnership.

“We usually receive money a month after the event, and it’s perfect timing for the summertime program,” he said. “They always come through.”

Members Porter, Beck and Zimmerman, would also like festival-goers to know that the effort put forth to produce such a big annual event would not be possible without its sponsors — all heavy hitters with big hearts.

“Advanced Beverage, WA Thompson — without the big beer vendors, we wouldn’t have an event or beer,” Porter said with a smile. “Our volunteers who serve the beer also get donations made in their name to charity.”


Bakotopia - Official magazine of the 16th annual Festival of Beers

All three agree in unison, throwing out names of other sponsors. Too many to list, but appreciated equally.

“Champs BBQ is a big sponsor, Fetzer Wines is a new vendor this year to help open up the crowd,” said Beck. “All the restaurants … It’s big.”

“Big” is the best word to describe what beer, food and sun enthusiasts will encounter at the 16th annual Festival of Beers.


Hey ladies!

For the $30 advanced ticket price, you also get hot local bands like Velorio, Soulajar, the winner of the first annual “Festival of Beers Band Battle,” DJs and the crowning of Miss Festival of Beers 2008. All elements add up to more than just your average beer bust.

                 
                                             Velorio

Don’t forget the VIP section …

“Our VIP section this year is bigger than year’s past,” described Beck. “We have 10 different restaurants inside and more beer!”

VIP tickets are limited at $100, so Beck recommends you find a member
and get them before they’re gone.

“Contact a member, we’re not hard to find.”



Porter reminds that like any alcohol-infused frolic, the festival is for those 21 & over only, and there will be enough security provided to maintain party order throughout the day.

“This year, we have increased private security to ensure a safe environment,” he said. “That always helps people feel nice.”


BPD will be out in force to keep the ladies and heads cool!

Confident this year’s fest will surpass the last, Porter had a personal invite for Bakotopia readers:

“We want everyone to come out to what is bound to be the best Festival of Beers to date, and help raise money for the children of Kern County.”

— On the Web: www.active2030.org


16th Annual Festival of Beers
• Saturday, April 26, 2008
• 1 to 5 p.m.
• Stramler Park, 3805 Chester Ave.
• 21 & Over
• Cost: $30 Adv /$40 Door
Tickets available at: BJ’s Restaurant, Déjà Vu’s Love Boutique, Lengthwise Brewing Co., Golden West Casino

Pick up the new 4/17/08 edition of Bakotopia NOW! The official program of the 16th annual Festival of Beers! FIND A RACK NEAR YOU BELOW!

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Comment From: UglyDuckMarketingandPromotions

Awesome story! See everyone there! Comment From: likhy2

I gotta, gotta be there! Thanks for using some of my photos from last year's desmadre. The 20/30 Club sounds like my kind of organization. I think I needs to join them. "Peace Out brodi"