More Than Just Boots and Bachelors...

Written by Les Corum

There are a lot of fund-raising events in Bakersfield right now...evidence that we're a very giving community. But I doubt there are any that are more fun than the Boots and Bachelors Auction held for the benefit of the Bakersfield Homeless Center.

I state this not on hearsay, but from the fact I had the good fortune to attend this year's event. Until now, I had to rely on descriptions brought to me by various members of our staff (females) who had attended the event. I was told how much fun they had, how “sexy” the guys were, and that they wished they'd had more money to bid for their favorite bachelor. Yes, in many cases the participating women were married, but then again, the winning bidders only get the “guy” for a mutually agreed upon dining package. Surely a husband would understand. Beyond that, there are no other commitments for follow-up dates. Sorry ladies.

So here it is a Friday night (October 2) and I find myself at the Crystal Palace, sitting at the Bakersfield Magazine table with none other that our own Miles Johnson (who made sure I didn't try and get auctioned off) and a group of really good lookin' gals (all staff members, anxious to spend their money). What I found interesting was the number of men that were in the audience with their wives and girlfriends. There were maybe 20 guys in attendance (plus the 12 participating bachelors) and over 400 women. It was interesting that in one case, a woman was on a cell phone, apparently getting instructions from her husband on how much she could bid for one of the gifts that was available in the live auction (trips, dinners, etc.). I didn't notice that happening when it came time to bid on the bachelors though...interesting, huh? I might also add that besides the fact that there was plenty of booze being served (and I had heard stories about the wild and drunken escapades of some women in the past) I witnessed nothing remotely familiar to those stories. The crowd of what, I think, was the best looking group of women I've ever seen in one place in my entire life (and that's a lot) remained ladies. The event seemed to be a great success, the service and food at the Crystal Palace was outstanding.

It was wonderful to see so many great local companies coming together for a great cause. Not only was Bakersfield Magazine a sponsor, but Castle & Cooke, Oxy, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, The Limousine Scene, Luigi's, KUZZ, KERO, and many others stepped up to help the Bakersfield Homeless Center. I for one hope to go back and witness this fund-raising event again because proceeds from the live and silent auction this year totaled $95,000! That's a lot of support for our homeless center. I know our community can do even better next year...

Plus, I can't wait to hear who next year's bachelors will be. How about you?

More of Les later....

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