Giving Back to the Community

Our Community

Bakersfield sits in the heart of Kern County in California’s San Joaquin Valley, where agriculture, energy, and a strong sense of community have shaped the city for more than a century. Incorporated on January 11, 1898, Bakersfield has grown into a vibrant city of over 403,000 residents, making it the ninth-largest city in California and the 48th largest in the United States. Known for its rich musical heritage as the birthplace of the “Bakersfield Sound,” a deep connection to farming and oil production, and easy access to outdoor destinations like the Sierra Nevada and Kern River, Bakersfield blends small-town roots with big-city momentum. It’s a place where history, opportunity, and California grit come together.

Giving Back

Jeff Schwartz has long been an active and dedicated part of the Bakersfield community, carrying a strong commitment to service throughout his professional career. Since becoming a member of the Exchange Club of Bakersfield in 1989, he has served as President of the local chapter and received the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing decades of leadership, volunteerism, and community impact.

Over the years, Jeff’s involvement has touched many meaningful local initiatives. For more than 20 years, he served as emcee for Kern Search for Talent, helping support one of Bakersfield’s longstanding youth programs. Alongside his wife, Donna, he has also helped provide Housewarming Baskets for young adults transitioning from foster care to independent living, offering practical support during an important stage of life.

Jeff also played a role in launching California’s first Healing Field, a tribute that continues today as the annual Thousand Flags tradition. In addition, he has generously volunteered his time hosting and cooking for large community gatherings, participating in cleanup efforts, and supporting youth-centered projects throughout Bakersfield.

His ongoing dedication reflects a genuine passion for giving back, strengthening local connections, and investing in the future of the community.

Anthony Cisneros

Anthony believes that giving back starts with being present in the community you call home. Born and raised in Bakersfield, he values opportunities to serve locally through volunteer projects, family-centered events, and community partnerships that make a lasting difference. Whether participating in neighborhood cleanups, supporting local outreach efforts, or helping with events that benefit Kern County families, Anthony is passionate about contributing in meaningful ways and being part of something bigger than himself.

A Tribute That Became a Tradition

Jeff helps raise flags at one of Bakersfield's first Healing Field events. An event that has since evolved into the community’s annual Thousand Flags, put on by the Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary Club—honoring heroes and uniting the community in remembrance.

Serving Our Community Together

Anthony and his children take part in a community cleanup with Keep Bakersfield Beautiful, helping keep Bakersfield beautiful while showing the next generation the value of giving back.

Supporting Bakersfield Holiday Traditions

Mimi was proud to take part with a few fellow Board Members in the NOR Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, supporting a long-standing Bakersfield tradition that brings together local businesses, families, and community leaders during the holiday season.

Protecting Our Local Environment

Anthony supports community cleanup efforts through the Adopt-A-Highway Program in partnership with the American Petroleum Institute, helping maintain the beauty and safety of local roadways.

Local History, Handmade for a Cause

Donna volunteers throughout the year with the Exchange Club of Bakersfield with Bakersfield Christmas Ornaments sales. These ornaments feature historic Bakersfield locations and all proceeds raise funds for housewarming baskets that provide essential supplies to young adults aging out of foster care.

From Fundraising to Giving Back

Jeff and fellow volunteers with the Exchange Club of Bakersfield assemble housewarming baskets filled with essential household supplies, made possible by the sales of the Bakersfield Christmas Ornaments, for young adults aging out of the foster care system and beginning life on their own.

Emcee for Kern Search for Talent

Jeff has proudly served as the emcee for Kern Search for Talent for more than 20 years, helping celebrate and showcase the incredible talents of young performers throughout the Kern community.

Supporting Community Health

Anthony participates in a Houchin Community Blood Bank blood drive, giving back in a meaningful way by helping provide lifesaving blood to patients throughout our community.

Giving Back to Preserve Local History

Through Volunteer Big Kern, Jeff and Donna worked alongside fellow Exchange Club of Bakersfield volunteers to help clean the General Store at Pioneer Village for future generations to enjoy.

Leadership Through Service

Jeff, Anthony, and Donna alongside fellow Exchange Club members at the PAL(Police Activities League) as volunteers gathered to sign up for upcoming community service projects. Jeff currently serves as President of the Exchange Club of Bakersfield, with Anthony serving as President-Elect, continuing a shared dedication to supporting local organizations and investing in the community through service.

Teeing Off for Education

NOR Chamber Board members gathering at the annual 2026 Tee Off for Education Golf Tournament in support of the scholarship fund benefiting students in North of the River high schools. Mimi is proud to serve on the board and be part of an event that reflects the chamber’s commitment to strengthening our community through education and opportunity.

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