Valerie Cassity
Special to the Sun

Nearly 200 community members came dressed to impress at the Save Our Swimmers Fundraising Gala on last Saturday, May 30, at the Lakeshore Lodge outdoor area in Wofford Heights. The event was created to raise money and awareness for the Kern Valley Aquatics Program (KVAP), a summer swimming program held at South Fork School for swimmers of all ages and levels. “The support here has been amazing; there’s obviously a lot of people who are behind what we are doing,” said Gala Coordinator and lead KVAP swim instructor Lynette Thomas, adding, “I believe in this project and I want to make a difference.”

For anyone who doubted that swim lessons could really make a difference in the life of a child, keynote speaker Rebecca Giddens gave an inspiring speech about her journey on the water, which culminated in a Silver Olympic medal in kayaking in 2004. Giddens recalled her first swim lesson at her local YMCA in Wisconsin at age six, where she spent the entire first 40-minute lesson, with tears streaming down her face, clutching to the milk jugs they used in lieu of floaties. Through that same YMCA swim program, Giddens continued to learn and grow, and at age eight was swimming competitively. Shortly after, Giddens got her first taste of kayaking through a four-day YMCA clinic, where she was immediately hooked on the sport. Giddens began competing in, and winning, kayaking races until she arrived at the 2000 Olympics, where she placed 7th. Undaunted, Giddens along with her husband and trainer Eric, came to the Kern Valley to train for the next summer Olympics, and in 2004, she returned home wearing the Silver medal for the USA. “We live on two bodies of water – the Kern River and Isabella Lake. We can either be afraid of these bodies of water or we can learn water safety and strong swimming skills to enjoy all of the wonderful activities that this area has to offer,” said Giddens.“The simple goal of learning how to swim can open so many doors for so many kids.”

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Included in the event was entertainment by several artists; guests entered the gorgeous outdoor venue to the beautiful voice and guitar styling of Katharine Edmunson with Kris Wilber on stand-up bass. Sandra Hughes sang two songs, including “Embracable You,” which she recently performed at the Bakersfield Idol competition. The Tracie Whitman Dancers put on quite a performance of a medley of dances from the studio’s recent recital, including two adorable numbers from the K-1 dancers and several dances from four of the older students which encompassed a variety of styles from ballet to Bollywood.

The many children at the event were kept happy with a bounce house and an art station run by local Montessori Daycare owner Michelle Maring, where they created colorful crowns and scepters. Many parents expressed their appreciation that the children were welcomed at the event and included in activities, even when one child created a surprise for the attendees by accidentally turning on the sprinklers, cooling everyone off quite unexpectedly. Another sentiment that the parents shared was the importance of the KVAP in the Kern Valley. “This is the second year my children are taking part in the program,” said Heather Berry, mother of two girls. “I want my kids to be competent swimmers and I’m thrilled that the program can meet them at their more advanced level (5) and continue with it. It’s a wonderful pool out there that needs to be used. This program is a tremendous addition to this community.”

Elegant Eats by Cindy Hood catered the event, with an impressive and delicious spread of salads, cheeses, pates, and more. The two chocolate fountains surrounded by fruits and cakes were a wonderful addition and a big draw for children of all ages. Hood also prepared peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on whole wheat bread and cut into fun shapes for the less distinguished palates of the kids.

Thanks to the generosity of many local merchants and community members, there was an extensive silent and live auction with items from baskets with every imaginable theme to weekend getaways at Lake Tahoe and R-Ranch. Emcee Chuck Smith, of local Sierra Performing Arts fame, introduced the speakers and worked as auctioneer for the many fabulous auction items. Every child received a cloth goodie beach bag, filled with swim-related items, and many adults won raffle prizes. The funds raised from the event, in excess of $3,000, will be used to provide scholarships to swimmers and solar panels to heat the South Fork pool so that it can be used year-round. KVAP founder Holly Spohn-Gross was elated with the support the program has received, and the success of the Gala in raising awareness, “KVAP would not be possible without the support and efforts of the amazing Robin Shive. South Fork will miss her and so will we. It’s about making dreams come true and making a difference for the kids of this community,” said Spohn-Gross.