Dear Civic Dance Center Families,

For nearly 50 years, generations of dancers and families in Bakersfield have experienced the magic of The Nutcracker performed with a live orchestra. There is simply nothing like hearing Tchaikovsky’s score come to life in the theater as our dancers step onto the stage.

As we prepare for our annual Christmas in July fundraiser on July 23 at Bakersfield Country Club, we are once again working to raise the funds for the Nutcracker Orchestra presented by Bakersfield City Ballet. While we are incredibly grateful for the support our community has shown over the years, many nonprofit organizations are anticipating a challenging fundraising environment this season due to economic conditions and other factors. This year, we still have approximately $45,000 to raise toward our orchestra goal.

If you click/tap here you will find our Christmas in July invitation and sponsorship packet. We would love for you to join us for an evening of holiday cheer, fundraising, and celebration of this treasured community tradition. However, we also understand that attending or sponsoring at this level may not be possible for every family.

One of the greatest strengths of our Civic and BCB family is not just our generosity, but our connections.

If you are unable to attend or sponsor, we would be incredibly grateful if you would consider helping us as a connector by:

• Sharing our sponsorship packet with friends and family members who value arts education and community traditions
• Forwarding the packet to businesses you frequent and support
• Connecting us with business owners, employers, physicians, attorneys, realtors, financial advisors, or community leaders in your network who may be interested in supporting The Nutcracker with live orchestra presented by Bakersfield City Ballet
• Sharing information about Christmas in July on social media and within your community circles

We are also currently seeking donations for our silent auction. Holiday-themed items are always especially popular, but we welcome all donated items, experiences, gift baskets, gift cards, services, and business contributions. If you would like to donate an auction item or know of a business that may be interested in contributing, please contact our Bakersfield City Ballet Vice President and Fundraising Chair, Kathryn Rider at (661)619-1747.

Every sponsorship secured, every auction item donated, every connection made, and every packet shared helps ensure that another generation of Bakersfield dancers and audiences can experience the magic of performing and watching The Nutcracker with a live orchestra presented by Bakersfield City Ballet.

Thank you for your continued support of Civic Dance Center, Bakersfield City Ballet, and the arts in our community. Together, we can keep the music alive!