Our Team
All things great are achieved in team. We love ours.
Our team of volunteers has worked together for a long time - pursuing the passion to fight hunger and feed souls in Bakersfield, CA.
Our team of volunteers has worked together for a long time - pursuing the passion to fight hunger and feed souls in Bakersfield, CA.
Bret Sill
Founder & Team Lead
He calls himself "just a farmer" but to the Morning Star team, he is a man with a plan and vision to see fighting hunger in Bakersfield happen. His heart for the lost is that they may come to know Jesus and find hope in Him.
Shawn Sill
Co-Founder & Team Lead
Shawn has been on the team since day one (she's married to Bret), but more recently has taken on a very significant role in directing all internal communications, fundraising and is our community liaison.
Linda Lewis
Admin & Giver of Smiles
Linda is everyone's cup of tea - sweet tea, that is! She is originally from the south and is a gift to the Morning Star team. She knows most of our volunteers and recipients by name, and their stories. Everyone loves Linda.
Ron Lewis
Everyone's Favorite Southern Gentleman
Ron loves to serve, hates the camera (we snuck this one in), and you will often find him arriving with a tray of burritos, donuts and hot coffee for our volunteers. What a guy!
Samantha Imhoof-Tran
Distribution Partner Team Lead
Samantha is also our Drive-Thru Pick-up Coordinator and jack of all trades and is a master of many. It's the truth...and when she doesn't know how to do something, she finds a way and figures it out. She is so valuable to our team!
Rachel Tran
Fresh Food Box Pick-ups
Rachel joined the team before she turned 10 years old and is now a Junior in High School. You will find her outside directing traffic, and helping with the pick-up line. She once said that Morning Star changed her life, but really, she's made a great impact on the ministry.
Julie Farmer
Volunteer Check-in
Julie is the youngest grandma around and loves every minute of it. She also loves to greet people at check-in and genuinely takes an interest in everyone she meets. Say hi to her when you see her!
Dave Barbour
Warehouse Operations
Dave is always running around taking care of all the little things no one sees. He puts together 500 boxes, picks up all the fresh food from local farmers and the meats from local butchers, and he maintains our warehouse.
Nolan & Ashley Weaver
Volunteer
Nolan and Ashley Weaver alway come early to set up three packing lines, and when that job is done, you will find them out in the drive thru pickup line praying over all those that need encouragement and telling people how much God loves them!
Heath Gall
Curator of Goods
Every year Heath and her team bring in donations for our silent auction. She networks with local business owners to provide (quite possibly) the best silent auction experience in Bakersfield. All funds raised purchase boxes for food for families in need.
Jonah Long
Maker of Videos and Taker of Photos
Jonah loves to capture the heartbeat of the ministry through photo and video and tells the stories of our volunteers.
John Woodruff
Fresh Food Box Pick-ups
John is our faithful, steady-eddy. He shows up every month, rain or shine, and loves to serve everyone around him. He is the greatest asset to our team. Give him a big ol smile as he packs your car with your fresh food boxes in the pick up line!
Ben Ruiz
Team Lead
I dont know Ben. He seems cool. He is always around doing things and encouraging people and making sure people are getting prayed for in the pick up lines. We should keep him around.
Andrew Godinez
Volunteer
Andrew is a high school student who loves helping out every month in the drive-thru pickup line. His enthusiastic attitude is a perfect fit to our team and a joyful face to those picking boxes. Even when his dad can t make it to the distribution Andrew always find a way to get there.
Social Gal
Ericka Moore
Ericka uses her quick-wit and finger tips to make sure the social world knows what is happening with Morning Star. If you tag @morningstarfreshfoodministry on socials, she will share it!
Lindsay Long
Behind the Scenes Hype Girl
Lindsay has her eye on the prize and loves to see people thrive in their God-given role. She does a lot of different things behind the scenes and takes photos and helps tell the stories.
BOARD MEMBERS
Bob Borda
Board Member
Bob is a great encourager and works for a big farm operation in town. He loves partnering with Morning Star and bringing his gifts and talents and connections to the table.
Brandi Hanson
Board Member
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Todd Gall
Board Member
Todd has a brilliant mind, and is very kind. He is a businessman by trade and helps us make great decisions. He also is hilarious and makes people laugh. A lot.
Gerrit Otten
Board Member
Gerrit brings a youthful energy to the board and his strategic thoughts brings solutions that every board
needs.
needs.