Bakersfield Life

Making 'Magic'

larger view larger view larger view larger view

Susan Greer
Pam Hornbuckle
Tami Mlcoch
Debbie Wilson

Q: How did you get involved with Mikella’s Magical Evening?
      Susan: I actually got involved with Mikella’s Magical Evening when Pam (Hornbuckle) came in to speak with me on a possible location for the event. I remembered when they had Mikella’s bone marrow drive and was amazed with the response from the community. I knew I wanted to get involved with something that would benefit so many people and carry on Mikella’s name.
     Pam: When I worked at Houchin Community Blood Bank, Christa McAuley (Mikella’s mother) came to me and asked if I would help her with a fundraiser to keep Mikella’s memory alive. The first Mikella’s Magical Evening was in 2005 with proceeds going to Houchin Community Blood Bank to help with the cost of bone marrow testing.

     Tami: I met Mikella in 2001, when I did a story on her. I was struck by her parents' wish to not only help their daughter, but other sick children as well. After Mikella passed, Christa asked if I would help with a fundraiser for children with cancer, and, of course, I said “yes.”

     Debbie: After helping to coordinate the bone marrow drives for Mikella, Christa asked me if I would like to participate. It is such a wonderful way to keep Mikella's spirit alive, while helping others who continue to struggle with disease.
Q: What element puts the “magical” in the event?
      Susan: I can feel Mikella watching over … smiling and seeing that she made a difference.
      Pam: The wonderful committee —Renee Pair, Brenda Brown, Jan Glinn, Becki Pruitt, Christa McAuley, Susan Greer, Tami Mlcoch, Debbie Wilson — and our community. Without their dedication and hard work, there would be no Mikella's Magical Evening.

      Tami: I would have to say Mikella. Even though she’s not here, you can't help but feel her spirit. She was such an amazing little girl, who touched my heart and continues to help so many people.

      Debbie: The smiling eyes of a child. Although Mikella is no longer with us,
banners with her smiling face grace the evening.

Q: Name one of your favorite items included in past or current raffles
and/or the live auction part of the evening:
     Susan: In the past, we did a silent auction along with the live auction, but we changed it last year to a raffle — it gives you a better chance to win something.
     Pam: My favorite item is a live auction item for the evening. It is a framed piece of artwork that was created by Mikella. A big hit.
 
     Tami: Last year, one of the live auction items was a kid's birthday party at a Bakersfield fire station. Someone bid on the party, then donated it to a young boy with cancer. It was very touching.

     Debbie: Each year, Mikella's parents — Mike and Christa — donate one of her original drawings or paintings. That piece of artwork is always my favorite item of
the night!

Q: The tempting “Candy Bar” featured at the event is always well received — what is the one treat there you just can’t resist?
      Susan: Since I’ve been put in charge of this part of the event, I get to order all of my favorites, not a good thing for the hips. The mint malted milk balls are unanimously the favorite candy of the committee.
       Pam: Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, and the mint malted milk balls.

      Tami: Just one? That's tough, but I do remember leaving there with quite a few baggies of malted milk balls!

      Debbie: Susan does such a tremendous job of picking out the candy, that one is
tough! I think it would be a tie between the mint malted milk balls or the mocha almonds, yum …

Q: Why do you think our community always steps up — tough economy or not — to help good causes?
      Susan: Even though Bakersfield has grown so much, it still has that small-town feeling. It always seems whoever you are talking about, you know them, or know someone who knows them. 
      Pam: We have a community that cares about people and steps forward when there is a need. I call it, “The Community with a Big Heart.”

      Tami: I think people empathize with others who are struggling, so they want to help in any way they can. Through this event, parents who can't afford to take their kids to L.A. for treatment can get a free ride.
     Debbie: Steps up? Because it's Bakersfield! We walk the walk and talk the talk, supporting each other when needed. We live like one big, extended family, pulling together in the fun times as well as the tough times.

Mikella’s Magical Evening is May 14 at Stockdale Country Club. No-host cocktails begin at 6; dinner is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person; $750 for a table of eight. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 616-8810.