Lunch Bunch: The Nines

Written by Bakersfield Magazine

It was a day of celebrations for our recent Lunch Bunch gathering; a day to honor birthdays, friendships, giving, and life.

Cancer was our main topic as we chatted in between bites at The Nines, a sophisticated eatery in the Marriott. Not the sad, gut-wrenching, hopeless discussion of a ravaging disease, but the uplifting, hope-giving, supportive talk of how giving our Kern County community is when it comes to fighting cancer.

Our Guests

Our guests were Janis Varner and Cherie Shoemake, whose birthdays fell on February 2 and February 5 respectively. It just so happened the day of our luncheon was February 5—so we had to celebrate these two remarkable women.

Cherie is the director of community services for the American Cancer Society (ACS) and a breast cancer survivor, while Janis, a long-time supporter of many nonprofits in Bakersfield, won the Lunch Bunch bid in October at the ACS’s annual Baron’s Ball.

And when she’s not bidding on things, Janis has some pretty ingenious ways of raising funds for the causes near and dear to her heart. For her birthday, Janis hosted the Birthday Babe Bunko party. She and her friends raised $3,800, which they split three ways to go to the Garden Pathways, Links for Life, and Rescue Mission. She also hosted a Pretty Pink Pedi Party in October that raised almost $1,000 for Links for Life.

“There are so many things you can do that you think may not be that big of a deal, but every effort is a contribution,” Janis points out. “And I love to do things like this—they’re from my heart.”

“We just couldn’t ask for bigger community/ACS supporters than Janis and her husband Vernon,” Cherie interjects.

The Lunch Bunch was thrilled to meet these women, and had wonderful things to say when the lunch was over.

“The guests and this Lunch Bunch gathering was the best yet for me,” exclaims Ann. “Guests who give back to Bakersfield are my favorite! Our guests added so much joy and pizazz to our lunch and their enthusiasm was contagious.”

Additionally, Jillian points out, “as Janice and Cherie shared their work and dedication, we learned how personal their fight against cancer is and it became obvious that we all have strong relationship ties to our town. I also learned of the broad spectrum of services the ACS provides that benefit people across the country. When Cherie described the 24-hour hotline people can call for support and medical resources, I realized how vast the ACS network is. The money raised locally has an extensive reach nationally.”

The Restaurant

Our thanks to Eric Roiko, Marriott’s general manager, and Scott Tessandori, restaurant manager, for such a warm, informative welcome and for providing our group with a complimentary sampling of the new 5-10-20 menu. The complimentary dessert they sent to help celebrate our February birthdays topped off their royal treatment, making us feel like “queens for a day.”

“Eric Roiko was such a gracious host,” Robin remarks.

The upbeat, newly remodeled dining room added a definite touch of class to our special lunch.

“The atmosphere was warm, yet sophisticated,” says Sue, who had the crab cakes.

Robin, who also had the crab cakes, agreed whole-heartedly. “They were delicious, lots of crab and very little filling. And I loved the setting; the furniture was modern and the table configuration was perfect for allowing open communication.”

“I felt as if I were in a European restaurant,” says Ann. “The service was great; the lighting perfect; the seating arrangement, unusual and comfortable, and the extra special treat they gave to us before lunch...perfect and scrumptious! I also enjoyed my anti-pasta salad, which was very tasty. I would have loved a good Italian salami instead of the pepperoni...however, I still ate the entire salad.”

“The ambiance was very classy and relaxing,” observes Patricia, adding that her filet was “the best I have ever eaten, actually.”

Updates on our special charities

Ann: “We’re always looking for new volunteers for Kids on the Block and people find performing for the fourth graders so rewarding.

We started our interviews for the Jim Burke Ford Dimension and Dream Builders programs in March and met a lot of wonderful 11th grade applicants from our high schools. This is always a special time to meet such amazing students. It is always so exciting for me.”

Robin: “We just wrapped up a great fund-raiser, “Taste of the Town,” and I am looking forward to the Relay for Life in Bakersfield and Taft.”

Sue: “Memorial continues to move forward with plans to open the only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in the southern San Joaquin Valley later this year. The PICU will enable seriously ill children to receive the best care right here in Bakersfield, rather than having to travel to hospitals in Madera or Los Angeles.” Please contact Sue at 327-4647, ext. 1829, for information about The Miracle Society, which will support children’s services at Memorial Hospital.

Jillian: “The BAM after school program being piloted at Discovery Elementary, Caesar Chavez School, and other schools in town, provides an exciting outlet for children and families. Children especially enjoy the opportunity to meet CSUB Chemistry Professors Dr. Andreas Gabeaur and Dr. David Saiki. Upcoming monthly themes include rocketry, robotics, and electricity with professors and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) professionals partnering for presentations and demonstrations. Pavletich Electric’s Roy Allard will also be sharing his love of teaching >>

and circuitry with the young people, and PG&E’s Brent Rush, assisted by his son, Cameron, will be providing electrical demonstrations. Those interested in learning more about hosting a BAM after school program may contact 327-KIDS.”

Judi: “I’m wearing two hats now, both as the Founding Organizer for the Women’s & Girls’ Fund of Kern County and as Board Chairman for the Kern Community Foundation (which is a part of the Women’s & Girls’ Fund). Currently, the Women’s & Girls’ Fund is evaluating proposals for its second-ever grant-making cycle. Those grant awards will be announced at the Annual Celebration Luncheon scheduled for April 29, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Seven Oaks Country Club. Cost is $35 per person with reserved tables of 8 available for $300. At the same event, the Women’s & Girls’ Fund will announce its ‘Women Defining Philanthropy’ awards. Anyone wanting reservations or more information may call 325-5346.”

The American Cancer Society

“Even though the cure for cancer won’t be found in Kern County because we don’t do research here, we want to find a cure period and the funding our community provides for that research will help make that happen,” explains Cherie.

And it’s not just about dollars, she adds; there are all kinds of ways people can contribute.

“We need volunteers to help in the office, work in the Discovery Shop, and help transport patients to and from treatments,” adding that the Road to Recovery patient transport program is a really fulfilling way to help out.

“People make such great connections and end up keeping in touch even after treatment ends.”

It’s volunteers that make the difference in the fight against cancer, and Cherie points out that any time given is valuable.

“Even if you can volunteer once a week, every other day, or just two hours a month, your time means so much to the fight against cancer.” Call 324-3421 for more information on volunteering.

Would you and a friend like to “do lunch” with The Lunch Bunch and dine for charity? Win this opportunity at nonprofit events around town and you’ll be helping our philanthropic community, get to play restaurant critic, have your photograph in the magazine, and network with some pretty dynamic Bakersfield ladies compliments of Bakersfield Magazine! Where else can you get the inside dish (along with lunch) with some of our city’s V.I.W.’s (Very Important Women)?

Article appeared in our 26-1 Issue - April 2009