Cheers to Charity donates $53,875 to local nonprofits

Pat Doody.

The Cheers to Charity Committee announced the grants resulting from this year's August event on Oct. 4 at the Woods Pavilion.

On Oct. 4, Cheers to Charity distributed $53,875 to local nonprofit organizations. What began in 2014, as a small fundraiser in a parking lot, has grown into the year's most anticipated fundraising event. The Cheers team supported 14 nonprofits with grants ranging from $1,000 to $7,500.

The August 2024 event, featuring food, wine, craft beer, home brews and spirit-free mocktails, brought together several hundred people to raise money for charity. Tehachapi's Aviator Park lit up with thousands of lights, vibrant conversation and joyous laughter as supporters raised money for charity.

The Cheers to Charity committee, including Becca Dillenbeck, Marcia Thompson, Theresa Dineen, Mary Beth Garrison, Curtis Nelson, David Richmond, Andrey Post, Bri Salminen and Linda Carhart met at Woods Pavilion to thank everyone, and hand out checks to the recipient organizations.

The Cheers team acknowledged the importance of sponsors, ticket buyers and partner nonprofits. Cheers to Charity is grateful for everyone who made the evening a success. As one of the most anticipated events of the year, it is important to do things right and keep things fresh. The Cheers Team works hard to do that. Everyone who supported the event made that possible.

The check distribution is the high point each year. Cheers to Charity is a way to contribute to causes bigger than any individual. The donations eventually impact hundreds of residents through community services and programs.

Tehachapi CANCER FOUNDATION – $7,500, Services for families impacted by cancer.

Tehachapi Friends of the Depot – $6,000, Depot Archive Storage Annex.

Tehachapi Community Theater – $5,000, Community Theater Accessibility.

Tehachapi Salvation Army – $5,000, After-School Programs.

American Legion – $4,500, Veteran Program Support.

Tehachapi VALLEY WRESTLING CLUB – $4,000, Wrestling Program Improvements.

Tehachapi Mountain Search and Rescue – $4,000, Safety Equipment and Training.

Stallion Springs CERT – $4,000, Safety Equipment and Training.

Central California Animal Disaster Team – $4,000, Animal Rescue and Care.

Tehachapi Rotary Foundation – $3,625, Community and Education Outreach.

Tehachapi Friends of the Library – $3,000, Community Reading Programs.

Have a Heart Humane Society – $1,250, Spay and Neuter Clinics.

Gryphons Soccer Club – $1,000, Support for local soccer field.

Tehachapi High School Wrestling – $1,000, Scholarship to honor Leslie Nelson.

Since 2014, the Cheers to Charity team has contributed $431,333 to 38 different nonprofits organizations. The committee will begin preparing for the 2025 event in January. Cheers to Charity 2025 will mark the 11th year and is on the calendar for Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025.