Shafter keeping up with fundraising events

With many businesses closed or offering reduced services, the challenge of raising funds for local clubs and organizations has been daunting. There can be no events with large gatherings or events that do not follow the safety guidelines put forth by the governor and Kern County.

But Shafter and its non-profit organizations are finding creative solutions to today's challenges. For example, the Shafter Kiwanis Club, continuing a tradition that has been going for decades, is holding its annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church. The event is take-out only.

Other clubs in town are contemplating how to raise funds for the causes they contribute to throughout the year. According to Rotarian Cathy Prout, the Shafter Rotary Club is deciding which fundraising events they will be able to hold. The club holds a popular Reverse Drawing every year, but this year the event, if held, will probably have a very different look.

Prout said the Rotary is considering having the event be virtual. It may mean lowering the prices of the Reverse Drawing and holding the actual dinner that comes with the event at a later date.

Other clubs and organizations are still holding car washes, which is usually a sure-fire way to raise funds.

The coronavirus has restricted what the clubs can do to help the community as well. The Rotary Club usually holds an event every year at which the elementary schools are presented with new dictionaries. But according to Prout, this is not yet on the calendar, as the club keeps an eye on the governor's announcements and the county guidelines.

"We usually have an assembly, handing out the dictionaries to the different classes, but this year that is not possible," said Prout.