Mission Statement

The Bakersfield Condors strive to meet the educational, social, health, and cultural needs of our community by offering unique resources and support for local youth-oriented and non-profit organizations that maintain and enhance the quality of life in our community.

If your business or organization is interested in sponsoring one or more of the Bakersfield Condors outstanding community programs, or you would like to schedule an appearance, contact the Community Relations Department at 324-PUCK (7825).

2007-08 Charity Events Listing:

• Oct. 7: Open House and Canned Food Collection for Bakersfield Homeless Center…3,400lbs of canned food
• Oct. 13: My First Library Book Collection…600 books
• Oct. 15: Condors Charity Golf Tournament…$6,000 for Kern Bridges Youth Home
• Oct. 24: Project Warm Families Coat Collection sponsored by KGET TV-17, KBKO 96-5 and Barber Honda…2,200 Coats
• Nov. 14: HOT 94.1 & Department of Public Health Businesspersons Special / Field Trip Day…5500 educational booklets distributed
• Nov. 18: Bright House Networks, KUZZ 107.9 & McDonald's 10th Anniversary Jersey Off Our Backs…$21,475 for Ronald McDonald House Charities
• Nov. 24: KGET TV-17, KERN 1410 AM & Wells Fargo Bank Teddy Bear Toss…7,115 Teddy Bears
• Dec. 1: Holiday Inn Select presents DARE Night…3,600 tickets distributed
• Dec. 12: ABC23, R&D Leather Furniture and Stay Focused Ministries Toy Drive…220 Toys
• Dec. 15: ABC23 and SC Architect Inc. present Classroom Champions…600 tickets distributed for students meeting behavioral or attendance goals
• Jan. 8: Diamond Technology and CHW Mercy and Memorial Hospitals T.H.I.N.K. program…400 tickets to students meeting academic goals.
• Jan. 29: Diamond Technology and CHW Mercy and Memorial Hospitals T.H.I.N.K. program…660 tickets given to students for achieving academic goals
• Feb. 5: My 45 & 96.9 La Caliente Help For The Homeless Canned Food Collection…over 1700 lbs of canned food
• Feb. 9: ABC23 and SC Architect Inc. present Classroom Champions…1200 tickets distributed for behavioral and attendance excellence
• Feb. 9: 96.5 KBKO & American Business Machines present Jersey Raffle & Auction…$30,700 raised for Children’s Miracle Network
• Feb. 24: Bright House Networks, KUZZ 107.9 & Hudson Custom Construction Condors Fighting Cancer Hockey-Thon…$56,700 for Links for Life (local breast cancer resource center)
• Feb. 24: Diamond Technology and CHW Mercy and Memorial Hospitals T.H.I.N.K. program…1300 tickets to students for achieving academic goals.
• Mar. 10: ABC23 and SC Architect Inc. present Classroom Champions…1150 tickets distributed for behavioral and attendance excellence
• Mar. 18: KUZZ 107.9 presents Tip-A-Condor Charity Dinner…$16,044 raised for the Kern County Shrine Club
• Mar. 29: Diamond Technology and CHW Mercy and Memorial Hospitals T.H.I.N.K. program…1562 tickets given to students for achieving academic goals
• Mar. 29: Bright House Networks, KUZZ 107.9 & Bud Light present Country Music Jersey Raffle & Auction…$31,600 raised for Valley Achievement Center.
• Mar. 31: KUZZ 107.9 Blood Drive Night…1,080 blood donations (double the Houchin average)
• April 9: Season-Worn Jersey Off Our Backs Silent Auction…$16,400 raised for the Active 20/30 Club.

Team Events | Fundraisers | Condors Collections | For the Kids
Educational Programs | 2005-06 Season | 2006-07 Season

2007-08 TEAM EVENTS

Open House & Family Day
The annual Open House was held on Sunday, Oct. 7. This event marked the first chance to meet the 2007-08 team and get a chance to see them on the ice during a team practice, fans were also invited to skate with the team following their practice. It was also the first day for season ticket holders to pick up their ticket packages. Admission was free with the donation of two non-perishable food items that were donated on behalf of the Bakersfield Homeless Shelter. This year's Open House brought in nearly $5,100 worth of canned food, bringing the four-year total to $20,192.

10/10 at 10
On Oct. at 10 a.m. the Condors got the season officially underway by hosting the 10th Anniversary Kick-Off ("10/10 At 10"). The special celebration was held on the plaza in front of Rabobank Arena with free hot dogs, sodas and lots of fun! Condors players and mascots dropped by throughout the event to mingle with fans, and Individual tickets for regular season were specially priced at $10 for that day only.

Charity Golf Tournament
The Condors 10th Annual Invitational Charity Golf Tournament was held at the Links at RiverLakes in October and raised $6,000 for the Kern Bridges Youth Homes. A total of $31,335 has been raised for local charities since the beginning of the Condors Charity Golf Tournament.

Ladies Night
The Condors will host their annual Ladies Night on Feb. 4. Lady Condors fans are invited to participate in a behind-the-scenes tour of the arena and locker rooms, receive on-ice instruction, and enjoy dinner with the players and coaches, followed by a question-and-answer session. On Feb. 5, the following night, the ladies will enjoy the Condors game from the on-ice suite.

Tip-A-Condor
Set to be held at the Crystal Palace on March 18, the players go from skaters to waiters at the annual Tip-A-Condor Charity dinner. Members of the team act as the evening's waiters and entertainers collecting "tips" that are donated to the Kern County Shrine Club. The evening also includes an auction including signed jerseys, equipment and memorabilia.

2007-2008 FUNDRAISERS

Jersey Auctions
Since the 1998-99 season, "Jersey Off Our Back" auctions have proven to be a successful way for Condors to raise funds for non-profit organizations. In its ten-year lifespan the Bakersfield Condors have raised more than $480,000 in charitable donations.

The first jersey auction of the 2007-08 season was on Nov. 18 and raised $21,475 for the Ronald McDonald House, and was a special 10th anniversary jersey featuring names and pictures of past and present Condors greats along with legendary headlines from the past 10 years.

Donations
At the beginning of the Condors 10th Anniversary season the team had donated nearly $2.5 million in Condors history.
The Condors continue to play an active role in the community responding to hundreds of donation requests each year. In 2007 alone the Condors have donated to nearly 50 individual local organizations in the form merchandise, tickets and monetary donations.

The Condors continue to play an active role in the community, responding to hundreds of donation requests each year.

Nightly Jersey Raffle/Organization of the Night
One local non-profit organization receives the special distinction as the Condors Organization of the Night at every Condors home game. As the Organization of the Night, non-profit organizations receive a concourse table from which to promote their services and/or offer information regarding their organization. In addition, they are the beneficiary of the nightly "jersey raffle." Raffle tickets are sold for the chance to win a Condors game worn jersey, for only $1.

Through this program, over $15,600 was divided among participating organizations during the 2006-07 season. Raffle jerseys in Condors history have raised $77,236.

2007-2008 CONDORS COLLECTIONS

Condors "Care-A-Van"
Each summer, the Condors travel to communities surrounding Kern County with Goodwill Industries to promote hockey and collect donations. Last summer the Care-A-Van visited Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Frazier Park, Wasco and Taft with players, mascots and staff. Stops included rotary clubs, boys and girls clubs, parks, schools and restaurants.

Teddy Bear Toss
During the event's nine-year history in Condorstown, over 44,800 stuffed animals have been tossed onto the ice leading to national acclaim as one of the most successful stuffed animal drives in hockey.

During the 2007-08 season the Teddy Bear Toss collected 7,115 stuffed animals on Nov. 24 and was distributed to local children through the United Way of Kern County.

Press Release: Condors Collect 7,026 Stuffed Animals in Annual Teddy Bear Toss

Project Warm Families
The Project Warm Families Coat Drive collected 2,200 coats during the 2007-08 season and helped needy families through various Kern County social agencies. The event has collected over 19,300 coats in its history.

Press Release: Condors Collect Nearly 2,200 Coats; 10 Year Total Tops 18,000 Coats

Blood Drive
Everyone who donated blood during the month of March for the Condors Blood Drive received a voucher for a free admission to the game on Wednesday, March 28th. To boost the blood drive, Condors players, mascots and staff were present at Houchin Blood Bank throughout the month and even more so the week of March 19th. That week alone the Condors, alongside KUZZ 107.9, brought in 835 registered donors, up from the Houchin average of 500 donors per week. Go Condors!

This year’s Blood Drive is again set for the month of March. Everyone who donates blood that month will receive $1.00 admission to the game on March 31.

Holiday Inn Select DARE Night
To date, the Condors have donated 28,000 tickets to DARE's graduates during their four year support of the program. In 2007-08 students graduating from the DARE program will receive complimentary terrace level admission to games on Saturday, December 2 and Wednesday, April 4.

2007-2008 FOR THE KIDS

Condors Kids Club
Fans ages 12 years old and younger can join the coolest club in Condorstown for only $25!. Membership runs from September 1, 2007 to May 31, 2008 and includes an individual ticket to six pre-determined home games, a Kids Club T-shirt, chances to meet Condors players, coaches and mascots, access to the Flashco Kids Zone and exclusive Kids Club gifts.

Big Buddies Nights
The Condors team up with local-area businesses to provide tickets for underprivileged children and worthy non-profit organizations through the "Big Buddies" program. In 2006-07, almost 3,000 tickets were made available to children who would not otherwise have been able to attend a Condors game. If you would like to donate to the Big Buddies program contact the Condors office at 324-PUCK (7825).

Over $55,000 in tickets have been given away during the Big Buddies five-year life span.

Raymond's Rascals
For every home game, the Condors set aside 20 tickets for the United Way, who then distribute those tickets to groups or families that may not otherwise be able to attend a hockey game.

2007-2008 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Condors Classroom Champions
Condors Classroom Champions sponsored by SC Architect, Inc. and ABC23, is dedicated to excellent attendance levels at school. Students who meet attendance requirements will be rewarded with a ticket to a pre-determined Classroom Champions game night. Attendance criteria will be managed by each individual school and/or teacher.

T.H.I.N.K.
T.H.I.N.K. (Turn Hockey Into New Knowledge) sponsored by ARRC Technology and Mercy and Memorial Hospitals, is geared towards academic excellence. The purpose of this program is to reward students who reach their scholastic and/or behavioral goals with a ticket to a pre-determined T.H.I.N.K. night game. Each school and/or teacher will be able to set criteria requirements that the students must meet.

School Field Trip Day
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 was the third annual Condors Field Trip Day, with nearly 5,500 students present. Elementary schools across Kern County were invited to bring students out to the Rabobank Arena for a special 10:30 am Condors game. Participants not only enjoyed hockey and lunch, they also received a 16-page educational booklet that ties hockey to education by including all the major subjects in school.

The 2006-2007 season provided a stellar performance both on and off the ice. The Condors players, mascots and front office staff made more than 150 appearances at schools and charity functions all over Kern County. It is easy to see why Bakersfield is Condorstown!

Condors 2006-07 Community Relations Overview

The Bakersfield Condors were awarded the Beautiful Bakersfield Group Humanitarian Award in June, 2007 for the second consecutive year, for their achievements during the 2006-07 season. The club had a record-breaking year in community service donating more than $470,000 in goods, services and monetary donations for local non-profit organizations and schools. Nominees in this category were recognized on the basis of being "a group whose combined efforts have contributed to the community as a whole." The Condors were honored among other nominees such as the American Petroleum Institute, Kern Autism Network, and the Kern County Human Services to name a few.

"It is an honor to support our local community partners in Kern County," Condors President Matthew Riley said. "Together we make an unbeatable team on and off the ice, as our successes continue to grow. We are very proud to serve as a conduit for our tremendous fans to help the less fortunate."

The Condors were also recognized on ECHL.com for their charitable contributions, as they have set what is believed to be a new league record for highest donation earnings in a season.

"The ECHL would like to recognize the Bakersfield Condors for their exemplary efforts within the Kern County community," ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna said. "Through the Condors involvement in local charitable causes they have become an important part of the fabric of the community. The involvement of Condors' players and staff and their donation of time, money and merchandise have set a standard for other ECHL teams to match."

During the Condors nine year history the organization has contributed nearly $2.5 million dollars to charitable organizations. The Condors would like to give a huge heartfelt thank you to all their fans and supporters because without their continuous dedication and contributions these accolades would not be possible.

The Condors Jersey Off Our Back Auctions raised $97,200 during the 2006-07 season, setting both an overall record, and also an individual jersey record with Andrew Oke's 2007 St. Patrick's Day Jersey raising $5,200, overtaking the previous team record of $5,100 set by Kevin St. Jacques 2006 Veteran's Day Jersey earlier that year. Among the organizations that received proceeds from the auctions were the Active 20/30 Club, Kern Adult Literacy Council, Petroleum Shrine Club and the Ronald McDonald House.

The Third Annual Fighting Cancer Hockey-Thon drew a record-setting $61,238 for "Links for Life," a local cancer resource center. This event, organized by Condors legend Kevin Barrett, in conjunction with the Condors, nearly doubled the number of participants and tripled the amount of proceeds from the previous year.

Another $23,489 was raised on behalf of the Kern County Shrine Club at the Seventh Annual "Tip-A-Condor" charity dinner. In addition, the Condors annual Charity Golf Tournament brought in $8,000, to benefit various non-profit organizations in Kern County.

The Eighth Annual Teddy Bear Toss on Nov. 25 gathered 5,475 stuffed animals for youth-oriented non-profits in Kern County and set the single game attendance mark during the 2006-07 season, with 8,743 fans. It was also the fourth largest crowd in franchise history.

The Condors once again teamed up with local-area businesses and the United Way of Kern County to provide tickets for underprivileged children and non-profit organizations, through the "Raymond's Rascals" and "Big Buddies" programs. In addition, graduates of the D.A.R.E. program and students who excelled in the Condors educational programs, T.H.I.N.K. and Classroom Champions, received tickets throughout the season as a reward for their dedicational successes. More than 23,000 tickets were donated on behalf of all the programs listed above.

Other highlights from the 2006-07 season include:

The Bakersfield Condors had a record setting third 40-win season and recorded a second consecutive first-round playoff series win.

The Condors hosted the 3rd Annual Field Trip Game, with a special start time of 10:30am, and distributed free educational handouts to every child in attendance. The booklets, courtesy of The Bakersfield Californian, featured hockey-related information and questions in the subjects of geography, math, language, science and health.

Over 10,000 students earned free tickets to Condors games through exceptional performance and attendance in the classroom through the Condors THINK (Turn Hockey Into New Knowledge) and Condors Classroom Champions programs. Players and office staff visited schools to discuss the importance of education and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Thanks to the support of local businesses, just under 3,000 tickets were donated to underprivileged children through the Condors Big Buddies Program.

Nearly 10,000 tickets were donated to students enrolled in the DARE and GREAT programs.

At every home game this season fans could purchase an opportunity drawing ticket for $1 with the chance to win a 2006-07 game worn jersey or a 2006-07 team signed replica jersey. The proceeds from the drawings benefited both the Non-Profit Organization of the Night and the Condors Charities Fund, raising a total of $15,611.

Charitable organizations, ranging from cheerleading teams from local schools to the Boy Scouts, teamed up with the Condors for fundraising and earned over $59,000!

Condors 2005-06 Community Relations Overview

The Bakersfield Condors would like to thank the fans and the community of Bakersfield, as well as all the sponsors for their support during the 2005-2006 season. The Condors are dedicated to giving back to the community and appreciate the support and partnership that Kern County has provided. With your help we were able to donate more than $405,000 in goods, products and monetary donations last season and a total of $2 million dollars in Condors history.

The Bakersfield Condors had a record setting year both on and off the ice. The Condors recorded their first ever playoff series win and kept playing until game seven of the Pacific Division Finals.

The Condors raised a franchise record of $86,950 during the 2005-06 season with the popular Jersey Off Our Back auctions. On Saturday, November 19th, a Bakersfield themed jersey brought in $16,650 for the Ronald McDonald House. The Petroleum Shrine Club received $23,250 from the Team USA Olympic jerseys auctioned off February 17th. In that auction, Ryan Munce topped Paul Rosebush by $100 for the highest individual bid received at $3,800. That auction also featured jerseys for former Fog and Condors players Kevin Barrett and Glen Mears and raised a total $32,200 for CASA. The auctions concluded with the silent bids for the Condors Warm-up Jersey, featuring the US Army desert camouflage sweater worn during pre-game warm-ups at all home games. An inspiring $14,850 was collected benefiting the Active 20/30 Club and specifically 9-year-old Walker Franks, a local boy with acute aplastic anemia. This$86,950 in 2005-2006 jersey auctions is a 20% increase from the previous season's total.

Fur was flying once again on Saturday, November 26th, as fans participated in the annual Teddy Bear Toss. An overwhelming 6,119 stuffed toys were thrown onto the ice following the Condors first goal. The fuzzy friends were collected and distributed to less fortunate children with the help of the United Way of Kern County. A few days later, fans once again provided for the less fortunate by bringing new or gently used coats for the annual Project Warm Families Coat Drive. Junior Achievement helped distribute the 2,000 coats collected to appropriate organizations in Kern County. The coat collection is the longest tenured charity drive in franchise history, dating back to the Fog days.

Local hockey players and Condors fans rang in the New Year with the 2nd Annual Condors Fighting Cancer Hockey-Thon organized by former Fog and Condors defenseman Kevin Barrett. The event included 27 hours of hockey, including a Celebrity and Legends game featuring former players, members of the media and current assistant coach Mark Pederson. The event raised $20,384.77, bringing the two year total to an impressive $44,000 benefiting Link to Life, a local breast cancer resource center.

In February 2006, the 7th Annual Tip-A-Condor Charity Dinner was held at the Crystal Palace. Condors players went from skaters to waiters, collecting tips for the Kern County Shrine Club. A record $16,000 was raised to help Shriner's hospitals.

• More than 7,700 lbs of non-perishable food items were collected for The Salvation Army and Golden Empire Gleaners during the season.
• The Condors hosted the 2nd Annual Field Trip Game with a special start time of 10:30am and free educational handouts to every child in attendance. The booklets, courtesy of The Bakersfield Californian, featured hockey-related information and questions in the subjects of geography, math, language, science and health.
• Roughly 8,000 students earned free tickets to Condors games through exceptional performance and attendance in the classroom through the Condors THINK (Turn Hockey Into New Knowledge) and Condors Classroom Champions programs. Players and office staff visited schools to discuss the importance of education and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. An additional 7,000 students were awarded complimentary admission for their participation in the DARE program.
• An amazing 1,107 pillows were collected for various Kern County charities with the return of the Condors Pillow Fight on the 31st of March as the Condors made a second attempt to break the world record for the largest pillow fight.
• Thanks to the support of local businesses, 2,867 tickets were donated to underprivileged children through the Condors Big Buddies Program, an 87% increase over 2004-2005.
• At every home game this season fans could purchase an opportunity drawing ticket for $1 with the chance to win a 2004-2005 game worn jersey or a 2005-2006 team signed replica jersey. The proceeds from the drawings benefited both the Non-Profit Organization of the Night and the Condors Charities Fund. A total $18,833 was raised, beating the previous season's total by more than $10,000.
• Non-profit organizations could raise even more money for their cause by participating in a Condors fundraiser. This season, more than $27,000 was awarded to groups for their fundraising efforts!