Support the Rezai Family Recovery Efforts from the Eaton Fire

 One of our own has been tragically impacted by the Southern California wildfires.

Can you help? 

Elena Rezai, our beloved Dance/Movement Therapist at KDA, and her family have lost everything in the Eaton Fire — home, memories, and their son’s school. While they are safe, the journey to healing and rebuilding has just begun, and they need our support now more than ever

For nearly 10 years, Elena has served the Bakersfield/Kern County community, using Dance/Movement Therapy to bring comfort to those facing Alzheimer’s, dementia, memory loss, and cancer. Her work has touched countless lives, offering strength and hope to so many families. Now, it’s time for us to surround Elena and her family with the same love and compassion she has given to others.

Elena, her husband Sana, their son, and Elena’s father, Stuart, had just started a new chapter in Altadena in August 2024. But on January 9th, 2025, the Eaton Fire destroyed everything they had worked so hard to build—home, treasured belongings, irreplaceable memories, and their son’s school. The loss of their home is devastating, but losing their son’s school along with it has made the situation even more difficult. The fire has taken not just their physical space, but the stability and routine that comes with it.

While the family is safe, the emotional toll of rebuilding is immense. Your donation, no matter how small, will help them rebuild their lives and recover what was lost. 

Let’s come together to help Elena and her family rise from the ashes. Just as Elena has always been there for us, let’s show her the same love and support. 

Donate directly to the Rezai Family GoFundMe using the button below.

2025 is a pivotal year for KDA as we celebrate serving our community for a decade!

Give the gift of movement and dance - donate to KDA TODAY!

By contributing to KDA, you can BE PROUD of your partnership and role in supporting arts and culture in Kern County.

– We need YOUR HELP to support our creative workforce while enhancing economic development in our region.

– We need YOUR HELP to provide more dance/movement therapy programs for those that need behavioral and emotional support.

– We need YOUR HELP to give at risk youth a vision of hope as they are given the chance to dance.

– We need YOUR HELP to offer the families of children with disabilities more support to experience the joy of movement.

– We need YOUR HELP to give young girls increased confidence by exploring STEM careers through dance.

– We need YOUR HELP to dismantle illiteracy in Kern County by encouraging more children to read through dance.

– We need YOUR HELP to motivate Kern County dancers to DREAM BIG!

– We need YOUR HELP to ensure arts and culture are elevated in Kern County!

Kern Dance Alliance is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Tax ID #: 77-0437598

Kern Dance Alliance, PO Box 12407, Bakersfield, CA. 93389

www.kerndance.org, (e) info@kerndance.org, (p) 661.491.5376

KDA Encourages YOU to GIVE. . .

“As someone who believes in the power of the arts to connect, inspire, and transform, supporting KDA is deeply meaningful to me. KDA not only brings incredible dance and arts experiences to our community but also provides opportunities for young dancers and artists to grow, express themselves, and make an impact. By supporting KDA, I know I am helping to build a more vibrant, inclusive, and creative community. This Giving Tuesday, I encourage others to join me in supporting KDA, knowing that every contribution helps create lasting opportunities and celebrates the artistry that brings us together."
Heather Frank
KDA Board Member
“Supporting KDA is deeply personal to me because it’s about creating a world where everyone has the chance to feel seen, celebrated, and connected through dance. KDA works tirelessly to close gaps to ensure that everyone—regardless of background or resources—can experience the joy and freedom that dance offers. Dance has a unique power to bridge differences, to communicate across cultures, and to build community. KDA is dedicated to making sure that no one is left out of this experience. When you give, you’re not just supporting dance education; you’re helping to create a more inclusive world where every story matters. For me, KDA embodies what a community should be—equitable, welcoming, and rooted in the belief that every person deserves to move and create. Thank you for helping us create that space for Kern County.”
Krissy Warren
KDA Board Member
"As I reflect on the significance of this season of giving, my heart swells with gratitude for the profound impact that the Kern Dance Alliance has had on my life and our community. It is not merely an organization; it is a beacon of inspiration, a source of hope, and a testament to the transformative power of dance. I give to KDA not just with my resources, but with every beat of my heart, because within the graceful movements of dancers, I find the rhythm of our shared humanity. In every pirouette, I witness the resilience of the human spirit, and in every leap, I see the boundless possibilities that lie ahead for each and every one of us. It has given me more than just the joy of watching a performance—it has given me a sense of belonging, a community that celebrates diversity, and a platform for self-expression that transcends words. KDA is driven by a collective passion so profound that it speaks to the deepest corners of our souls, breaking down barriers and fostering connections that resonate far beyond the stage. As the season of giving approaches, I implore you to open your hearts to the beauty that KDA brings into our lives and the countless lives it touches, shapes, and elevates. KDA is not merely an alliance; it is a family of dreamers, creators, and believers. In giving to KDA, you are not merely supporting an organization; you are investing in the dreams of aspiring dancers, the cultural richness of our community, and the enduring power of art to heal and unite. This Giving Tuesday, let us join hands and dance together in the symphony of generosity. Together, we can ensure that the transformative essence of dance continues to open doors of opportunity, touch hearts, ignite passions, and foster a world where the beauty of movement knows no bounds."
Tiara King, PsD
KDA Board Member
"KDA’s impact on the arts in the Central Valleys have been constructed through the endless support of those that have given to the organization in a variety of ways. KDA is grateful to all of those that have helped us to put our mission in motion and, as we eye a new year, we ask that you give again to ensure 2024 is an even more impactful!"
Andrea Hansen
KDA Executive Director

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