BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — What started as a passion to help Mother Earth, became the launch of an annual event here in Bakersfield.

As we continue to spotlight Amazing America, we focus on Amazing Americans paving the way in the community to help make a difference.

“Doesn’t matter if we have different beliefs,” said Earth Day 661 co-founder, Natasha Robinson. “It doesn’t matter if I agree what you agree with; we are still human, and humankind is more important than anything else.”

It may be a small gesture but Earth Day 661’s founders, Jay and Natasha Robinson saw a passion for others to connect with Mother Earth, thus launching their version of Earth Day in 2014 in Los Angeles County.

“We wanted to continue to spread healthy environment and a healthy lifestyle, healthy living from LA to the Central Valley and hopefully up north and make it up to San Francisco, Oakland, Sac town,” said Earth Day co-founder, Jay Robinson. “And we just want to continue to spread the green message.”

In 2021, they relocated to Bakersfield and were shocked by the warm reception they got from the community.

RELATED TO: Springing into action: Earth Day serves up year-round reminder in Kern County

“I feel that so many of us, as many differences we have, we all want the same thing,” said Natasha Robinson. “We all want peace on earth. We all just want to live our days and be happy. And that’s why it’s so important to me. That’s what Earth Day 661 does. We bring out a community of people that maybe wouldn’t normally be around each other, and all share something in common.”

During last year’s 2nd annual Earth Day 661, over 70 local vendors were on display. From local food to small businesses, and nonprofits, Earth Day 661 is about gathering the community together and celebrating one another as it drew in hundreds.

RELATED TO: Bakersfield embraces Earth Day 661 as Robinsons bring sustainability passion to community

“It’s just creating inclusivity, making sure that everybody knows that they are welcome,” said Natasha Robinson. “We love everybody all the same. Doesn’t matter if we look different.”

“It’s planting the seeds in our youth,” said Jay Robinson. “It’s helping them to build confidence, self worth, self esteem. And that’s something that’s new that we’re, you know, bringing into Earth Day 661 this year. And I really think it’s going to be a big hit. I’m going to have storefronts out for each one of the kids, and I’m really looking forward to that portion of it.”

As we celebrate America, the Robinson’s contributions to the community go above and beyond. Jay says it’s a daily reminder that the community needs to contribute but says it doesn’t take much effort to.

“I believe taking action and each person in the community, one hand, watching the other, it goes a long way. I think that’s what makes America really, really a great place, when we’re all neighbors and showing each other that when times are tough, we can come together, and when times are not tough, we can still come together.”

This year’s annual Earth Day 661 will be on Saturday, April 18 at Beach Park. For more information, click here.