BAKERSFIELD, Calif (KBAK/KBFX) Dustin’s Diner, a cherished holiday tradition in the Haggin Oaks neighborhood of southwest Bakersfield, opens each Christmas season to sell hot chocolate and cookies.
The initiative, which began in 1993 by brothers Dustin and Daniel Kilpatrick, aims to raise funds for the Open Door Network to support homelessness outreach.
Dustin’s Diner brings holiday cheer and support to Bakersfield community (KBFX)
Kim Mishkind, a volunteer with Dustin’s Diner, explained the origins of the event: “Yeah so way back then Dustin and Daniel Kilpatrick started selling on a very small scale but so many people come out to the neighborhood to look at lights, to enjoy the festivities, and enjoy the cheer.”
Despite the brothers moving away, the community continues to uphold the tradition.
“It really took off, and it grew bigger and bigger. When Daniel and Dustin went off to college the neighborhood kind of started to get rolled in and take it over and support it,” Mishkind said.
For many families, visiting Dustin’s Diner has become an annual tradition, while for others, it marks their first experience of the celebration.
Dustin’s Diner brings holiday cheer and support to Bakersfield community (KBFX)
A young visitor expressed her excitement, confirming it was her first time seeing the decorations and visiting the diner.
All proceeds from Dustin’s Diner are donated to the Open Door Network.
Lauren Skidmore, CEO of the organization, highlighted the impact of these donations: “And for over thirty years we’ve gotten a generous donation from this group. Over $20,000 every year. And it really helps us go back into our clients. Make sure that we can support them throughout the year with general needs, basic things that grants and general donations don’t cover.”
Dustin’s Diner brings holiday cheer and support to Bakersfield community (KBFX)
Skidmore emphasized the spirit of the event, saying, “And it’s really about having fun while making sure that we are bringing light and happiness to those clients that maybe aren’t having fun. You know we want to show them what hope can look like and what life can look like and we’re doing that even by this great event.”