BAKERSFIELD, CA. — The Farm to Tableaux event benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Kern County aims to raise about $300,000 for the local clubs annually.

"The majority of our programs are free and what that means is we have to find the operational dollars some way," Zane Smith, Boys & Girls Club Executive Director.

According to the club, $2.5 million is raised locally to support the free programs.

“As part of their commitment to the club for free art lessons and services is to donate a piece that we hold in high value and that someone else will want it goes up to auction and the proceeds benefit the program directly," said Smith.

The live art auction is a portion of the Farm to Tableaux event.

“This is the environment I’m always in and the kids here I feel like I’m giving back to them," said Kayla Ortega, art student.

Participating in the auction is a moment of honor for many of the art students.

“I've had children walk into the art room and boast that their new painting paid for the new easels or canvas there's a great sense of pride," said Smith.