The 12th annual CASA of Kern County fundraiser brought derby fashion, community spirit, and a historic Kentucky Derby moment together for an unforgettable evening supporting local foster youth.
Published May 5, 2026
By Kathleen Hokit | Photo Credit: April & Co
Bakersfield, Calif. — Hats, heartfelt applause, and a whole lot of community spirit filled Gardiner Ranch last weekend as the 12th Annual CASA Derby Party brought Kern County together for one of the organization’s most beloved traditions.
Hosted by CASA of Kern County, the annual fundraiser blended derby fashion, cuisine, dancing, auctions, and the thrill of the Kentucky Derby into an evening centered around supporting children in foster care throughout Kern County.
This year’s celebration carried an especially electric energy as guests witnessed a historic moment during the race: the first Kentucky Derby victory by a female trainer, Cherie DeVaux, in the event’s 152-year history.
“The applause was overwhelming,” CASA of Kern County Executive Director Ashley Vorhees says. “To see the underdog come out on top like we did, it was beautiful to witness it together at the event.”
Held at Gardiner Ranch, the evening once again highlighted the strong community support surrounding CASA’s mission.
Guests arrived dressed in classic derby-inspired attire, gathering not only to celebrate the iconic race, but also to help raise funds that directly support foster youth across Kern County.
“It’s truly humbling to see our community still look forward to coming out and supporting our largest fundraiser even after so many years,” Vorhees shares.
“We are extremely grateful to those who have continued to support us over the years and excited about all the new interest we received just this year alone.”
According to Vorhees, one of the greatest needs facing local foster youth is consistency and connection.
“Our foster youth face a critical need for consistent, trusted adult relationships, as many experience trauma, placement instability, and limited individualized attention within overburdened systems,” she says.
“CASA volunteers offer youth not only a stable, caring presence but also a dedicated voice to help guide decisions that shape their future.”
For those unfamiliar with CASA, Vorhees emphasizes that the organization exists to ensure children in foster care never have to navigate the system alone.
“CASA volunteers are not just mentors—they are trained advocates who build trusted relationships with children and use those insights to inform objective, fact-based recommendations in court and across systems,” she says.
“At its core, CASA exists to make sure that no child has to navigate the uncertainty of foster care alone and that their voice is heard in the decisions that shape their future.”
Community partners and supporters echoed that same sense of purpose throughout the evening.
“The energy of the CASA Derby was electric with an arena full of people showing up wholeheartedly for kids who need it most,” says Kristel Pollock, manager of sponsorships and fundraising at Houchin Community Blood Bank.
“Supporting Kern County CASA means standing in the gap for children in our community, and that’s something worth coming together for every single time.”
Ashley Vorhees, CASA of Kern County Executive Director
“As a nonprofit, we are fully dependent on our community to keep our mission alive. You can support us first and foremost, through becoming a CASA advocate or through becoming a financial donor.” – Ashley Vorhees
Want to learn more about how you can support CASA of Kern County? Visit kerncasa.org.
