Brandon Muncy
Kern Valley Sun

It was standing room only Saturday night at the Moose Lodge in Lake Isabella, as the Kern Valley Sheriff’s Activities League held their 2nd Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Auction Fundraiser. More than 300 people paid $10 each for a home-cooked spaghetti dinner, helping to raise money for a much-needed 15-seat van and to carry on the continuously growing program.“The turn out was great considering the numerous other events in the valley that evening,” said Kern Valley SAL Coordinator Deputy Joe Garcia. “It was good to look around and to see every chair occupied. We have such great community support.”

The evening began with special guest Sheriff Donny Youngblood saying, “I’m really proud of Joe (Garcia) and everyone at the Kern Valley Substation for the work they do with SAL.” Assemblymember Jean Fuller representative Bryan Williams and Congressman Kevin McCarthy representative Benjamin McFarland each spoke words of encouragement and praise to the Kern Valley SAL.

Stacey Sanders, of Rio Bravo Community School, holds two photographs donated by Bodfish resident Casey Christie for the SAL auction Saturday night.

“The dinner (prepared by SAL volunteers) was a great success, the transitions were smooth and the raffles throughout the night kept things entertaining,” said SAL volunteer Stacey Sanders. “Food being served by the Knights of Columbus added a special touch.”

Once dinner was served, Emcee Jerry Boyle served up his own brand of humorous banter with the audience and began the many giveaways and auctions that filled the night. What followed next was a well put together, and sometimes emotional, slideshow showing many of the events the SAL has participated in this year. “Watching the slide show of the kids... it is great to see them so happy and in awe! At the same time shocking to see how many things KV SAL has done over the last year,” said Sanders.

The event would not have been possible were it not for the dedicated volunteers, generous donations, and of course, the tremendous community support. “The community support was amazing! There was a time were didn’t have enough seats. To fill all the seats, have a successful auction and great raffles was amazing to me considering the economy we are currently in,” added Sanders.