The Bakersfield community is known for its grassroots, neighbors-helping-neighbors generosity that has been shown time and time again. Most recently, that kindness was on full display during the Feb. 7 benefit auction and chili supper held to support local resident Natasha Crites, who has been battling breast cancer along with life-threatening gallbladder complications that have kept her from working since last summer.
According to the most recent census, Bakersfield’s population stands at just 186 residents. But on that night, more than 200 people filled the seats, showing up for their beloved neighbor in the best way they know how: scraping chili bowls clean, raising bidding cards and opening their wallets in support of the woman they care about.
The love was extended well before that night, when community members began the hard work of organizing such a large auction.
A number of people, including Amy Ingalsbe, Stephanie Guffey, Joann Foster, Valerie Lockett and Trudy Summers, spent weeks soliciting and obtaining donations from local businesses and individuals to be auctioned off that night. Countless other community members arrived with donated items in hand, ready to pass them onto the auction table.
Organizers say if it weren’t for the Bakersfield and West Plains businesses that stepped up to give away their items and services, there would be no benefit auction at all. They say many of the businesses “never hesitate” to donate to benefits, giving back to their communities in big ways. Other community members contribute in their own unique ways: building wooden benches, donating homemade baked goods or simply giving their time and resources to make the event happen.
The auction included a wide range of items: pistols, hand-stitched quilts, a farm-raised butchered beef, propane gas, a deer mount, beauty supplies, large commercial trash cans, a handcrafted knife, T-shirts from local businesses, spa certificates, tattoo certificates, a 40-gallon water heater, miniature dachshund and Yorkie puppies, weekend getaways at cabins on the river and lake, dog beds, cutting boards, photo shoots, car detailing, oil changes, a Yeti cooler, pies, cookies, cakes, tires, farm supplies and more.
The item that sold for the most money, an impressive $2,000 bid, was a faith-based artwork by 16-year-old Bristol Robinson. The piece was comprised of Bible verses laid out in such a way that it created an optical illusion of Jesus sweating blood when viewed from a distance, but focused on the verses up close. (See related story on page 1 and 14 about that piece).
Another noteworthy item was a one-of-a-kind quilt made by Natasha’s sister, Valerie Lockett, which honored members of the local community who have battled cancer. Each square of the quilt featured a community member’s name, beautifully embroidered along with a ribbon representing the type of cancer they faced or are facing.
An auction wouldn’t be possible without an auctioneer, and “Gene Summers never says no,” one of the organizers, Trudy Summers, told the Times. “He’s the auctioneer who can get $100 out of a fifty-cent item.”
Amid Gene’s lively chanting, Billy Sexton, Paul Summers, Justin Luther and Justin Craft kept the bids moving and the energy high. Meanwhile, Stephanie Guffey, Malisha Summers and Trudy Summers handled the intense, fast-paced clerking and cashiering with the organizational skills they’re known for.
Others helped by donating chili, serving it and cleaning up afterward.
In total, the benefit raised just shy of $45,000, all of which was donated to Natasha.
“We are truly blessed to live in the Bakersfield community,” Trudy said. “Time and time again, this community pours out its love and generosity for one another. In the last two years alone, nearly $400,000 has been raised right here in our high school gym. These are hardworking farmers, nurses, teachers, factory workers — everyday blue-collar people who give more than they probably can afford. Yet, they show up every single time.”
Organizers say another benefit chili supper and auction is scheduled next month, in support of Kenneth Kuk, who is also diagnosed with cancer (renal cell carcinoma), and they have no doubt that the community will continue to show the same love and support to that families as well. That event will also be held at Bakersfield School on Saturday, March 7, with a chili supper at 5 p.m. followed by a 6 p.m. auction.
“It takes an army to make a benefit auction successful, and the people of Bakersfield and the surrounding areas rise to the occasion every time,” Trudy said.