Helping HART hosts 2nd annual Gala in downtown Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The non-profit “Helping prevent Hit and Run Tragedies” hosted its second annual gala Friday night to benefit victims and families of hit-and-run crashes.

The event took place at The Marriott Downtown and attendees were able to help raise money to assist the Bakersfield Police Department and its traffic department when solving cases of hit-and-run collisions.

According to President Dawn Elliot, the inspiration for the non-profit came after her mother was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Stockdale Highway, near Don Hart Drive in 2020.

“My mom was my very best friend and I didn’t think I would be able to navigate through life without her,” said Elliot. “Hosting this event every year, having all these people show up and support us has shown me that I have a really strong support system.”

Elliot hopes as the event continues they will raise more money for “Helping HART” and the victims.

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