Cheers to the best party in town!

Stacey Herrrera Photography.

Cheers to Charity Team: Left to right back row: Becca Dillenbeck, Bri Salminen, Curtis Nelson, Mary Beth Garrison, Linda Carhart, David Richmond. Front: Theresa Dineen, Marcia Thompson, Audrey Post. Missing from photo: Michael Dillenbeck.

The 10th Anniversary of Cheers to Charity is in the books! Dozens of people volunteered hundreds of hours to give area residents an unforgettable night in the park. There was delicious food, carefully selected wines, craft brews/home-brewed beers, casino games and dancing to tunes that spanned the decades.

"I will come back and help every single year," said Christine Welton, a five-year volunteer veteran. "I not only feel good about helping raise money for charity, the event is just so much fun!"

For many, it's an opportunity to see old friends, for others, it's a great night out with colleagues.

"We sold several hundred tickets and had two dozen sponsors, representing companies of all shapes and sizes. They came together to raise money, and have fun too," said Theresa Dineen, a Cheers to Charity Committee member.

Founding Cheers team member, Marcia Thompson, noted that "several businesses have sponsored Cheers to Charity from that first year in the Veritas parking lot. They love supporting the work of multiple nonprofit agencies, through a Cheers sponsorship. It's a great way for their staff to volunteer, too."

Stacey Herrrera Photography.

Terry McKeehan and Irene Rippy.

There was a great turn out of home-brewers, serving a dozen beers - with the Taster's Choice award going to a saison beer called "Sweet Rose Colored Dreams," brewed by Neil Doherty. And the Brewer's Choice award went to a hard apple cider called "Happy Habanero and Petulant Pineapple" brewed by JP Castech.

Each winner received a beautifully hand-wrought award created by Tehachapi Signs.

"We had more votes cast than in any other year. The winners were ecstatic," said Michael Dillenbeck, the Cheers Home Brew Organizer.

Cheers to Charity has already contributed $377,000 to 34 local nonprofits. Funding has improved local recreational facilities, healthcare resources, public safety efforts, animal rescues, literacy programs and more.

Cheers to Charity is Tehachapi's best "Party with a Purpose." Mark Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 on the calendar and join the party next year. Cheers!