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KDA to Participate in Give Big Kern 2026

 KDA is proud to announce its participation in Give Big Kern, the Kern Community Foundation’s 24-hour community-wide fundraising event on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

Give Big Kern brings together donors across Kern County for one powerful day of giving to support local nonprofits. KDA is excited to join this effort alongside other outstanding Kern County organizations dedicated to strengthening our community through mission-based work.

“KDA is thrilled to take part in Give Big Kern and invites our supporters, artists, families, and the entire Kern County community to help us ignite creativity through the arts,” said KDA Executive Director, Andrea Hansen. “Every donation will directly support our programs that bring meaningful arts experiences, education, and creative opportunities to people of all ages across the region.”

Donations to KDA during Give Big Kern start at just $5 and are fully tax-deductible. All proceeds will fuel KDA’s arts programs, including education initiatives, community performances, outreach efforts, and creative development projects that enrich lives and build stronger community connections through the power of the arts.

 

How to Give

KDA encourages everyone who believes in the transformative power of the arts to “Give Big” and help sustain vital creative programming in Kern County.

About KDA

KDA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to igniting

creativity through the arts. The organization provides inclusive arts education, performances, and community programs designed to inspire, educate, and connect people of all ages and backgrounds across California’s Central Valley.

To learn more about Give Big Kern please visit https://www.givebigkern.org.

For More Information – Email info@kerndance.org

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Jen Thompson

Vice President | Board Member

Jennifer Thompson is a proud Bakersfield native who fell in love with dance before she even started school. She grew up training under the guidance of renowned local instructor Georgia Peck, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for movement and expression. Jennifer pursed her academic education with equal enthusiasm, earning both her BA and MA in English from National University. For over 20 years, she has worked as an English teacher with the Kern High School District, where ahe has inspired generations of students with her love of literature and language. Recently, she has decided to begin a new chapter-transitioning from teaching English to teaching dance. She is thrilled to channel her passion into helping build and strengthen the fine arts program, where she can continue to inspire students through the transformative power of the arts. In addition to her work in education, Jennifer has proudly served as a board member with Kern Dance Alliance for the past four years. She loves the opportunity to bring dance to her community, spreading joy and encouraging creative expression in people of all ages. Outside of the classroom and studio, Jennifer has raised two grown children who are now pursuing their own passions-a journey that continues to inspire her both personally and professionally. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, diving into a good book, and-of course-continuing to take dance classes herself.

Marcie Hronis

President | Board Member

Marcie Hronis is a distinguished author, dedicated arts advocate, accomplished business proprietor, and renowned interview specialist who resides in the vibrant community of Bakersfield, California.

With a dance career spanning nearly two decades, Marcie honed her craft through rigorous classical ballet training under the esteemed Royal Academy of Dance, achieving the pinnacle of her dance education with a distinction in the Advanced II examination. Marcie’s artistic journey included a passion for modern dance, where her formative training was shaped by the profound influences of Lester Horton and Martha Graham.

As the proprietor of Marcie Hronis Communications, she has garnered accolades and recognition as an award-winning interview coach, serving a diverse clientele across the nation.

Marcie is a published author, having penned the highly acclaimed vegan cookbook titled “Believe it or Not” available worldwide on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Wal-Mart.

Furthermore, Marcie has assumed the esteemed position of President of Kern Dance Alliance, stepping into this role in 2023 following the legacy of Andrea Hansen. Her enduring commitment to the organization is exemplified by her role as a founding board member. Additionally, she has played a pivotal role as one of the co-creators of ADAPTIdance: DANCE + DISABILITY, Kern County’s exclusive adaptive dance program in collaboration with the League of Dreams.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Marcie shares her life with her husband, Demetri, and together, they are parents to two children. Both of their children are engaged in pursuits ranging from classical dance, singing, and piano, to the expressive world of painting.