Ben Stinson may have a problem, and that’s a good thing for Bakersfield.
The owner of Stinson’s office supply, one of Bakersfield oldest communities, promised a few weeks ago to give away $70,000 to some 70 non-profit groups. Well, that number has swollen to more than 100.
“It’s amazing how many people are providing services that are worthy that are contributing to our community,” Stinson said during an Aug. 10 interview on “The Richard Beene Show.”
The promotion was connected to the business’ 70th anniversary in Bakersfield. However, Stinson said he’s found so many groups in need of support.
“You can’t say no, Ben,” Beene told Stinson.
“That’s it. Seriously,” Stinson said. “There are so many worthy causes in our community. It’s been fun.”
Stinson, however, also warned that the need could be greater in the face of cutbacks to federal programs.
“Things are going to get a lot worse,” he said. “You don’t even realize what’s happening. You’re going to see a lot impact from what (President Trump) is doing. We’re already seeing it. We do business with a lot of folks who are funded by the federal government, and they’ve already seen a significant decrease.”
In addition to his $70,000 for 70 event, Stinson also organized a school backpack drive, where student backpacks were stuffed with school supplies for children in need.
