Salutations, Dave Day here.
Thank you for being part of the B.B.A.C. community. Whether you’ve volunteered, donated, shared your talents, or simply stopped by to see what we’re building, you’ve become part of this story.
That story began years ago when my son, Cody, and I came to Bombay Beach for the first time. We fell in love with the beauty, the vastness, and the beautiful chaos of this place. Before we left, we decided we were going to build something here together. We spent the next several years chasing that dream. When Cody passed away from cancer at thirteen, I knew the dream had to continue.
Everything we’ve built here has grown from that promise. What began as a property buried under trash and neglect slowly became something more. With the help of artists, volunteers, neighbors, and friends, it grew into a place where creativity, service, and community could take root.
Today, thanks to a recent grant from The California Endowment and the dedication of our incredible team, we’re making improvements that will help us keep these spaces active year-round.
Cody is still at the heart of this place. I see him in every young artist, every community meal, every volunteer who lends a hand, and every person who finds belonging here.
Thank you for helping us keep that dream alive.
Art auctions continue to be one of the ways B.B.A.C. brings artists and community together while supporting the programs and projects that make this place thrive. This spring marked our second annual art auction, and we remain deeply grateful to every artist who donated their work and time. Bombay Beach has its own relationship with time, so our formal thank-yous are arriving a little later than intended, but our appreciation has never been delayed.
Community meals have also become an important part of what we do. Since we began, we’ve hosted 120 free community dinners. Each meal costs roughly $1,000 and represents more than 23 hours of volunteer effort. Our new commissary kitchen now allows us to safely prepare, serve, and clean up these gatherings.
B.B.A.C. is proud to partner with Alcoholics Anonymous and Imperial Valley Equity and Justice, whose generous gift is providing new tables, chairs, and café umbrellas for our shared spaces.
Our Wash and Grow Garden and Buggy Bumz projects continue to grow under the B.B.A.C. umbrella, creating opportunities for creativity, environmental stewardship, and community connection. None of this happens without the generosity of our Board members, artists, volunteers, partners, and neighbors. Thank you for helping us continue to build together.
Our current focus is preparing our spaces for expanded year-round programming. The next step is making the Art Barn comfortable through every season by insulating the building, replacing the doors, and installing proper air conditioning so the space can reach its full potential.
We’re also looking for community members, artists, and educators who would like to collaborate by leading workshops and sharing their skills. An expanded events calendar is on the way, with upcoming arts and crafts activities including ceramic painting, tie-dye, and paper mâché, alongside free educational workshops that reflect our mission of making creativity accessible to everyone.
To date, B.B.A.C. has been able to offer more than 85 hours of free workshops and educational programming, made possible through the generosity of our customers, donors, volunteers, and community partners. Every contribution helps create opportunities to learn, connect, and create together.
Community is one of B.B.A.C.’s three guiding pillars, and we’re grateful to be surrounded by people who quietly step forward whenever there’s work to be done. Chris and James are two of those people.
Many know them for the weekend breakfasts they’ve hosted at the American Legion as they work toward reopening the Post for members. They also partnered with Peter Blacken and the Don't go Hungry non profit to bring a weekly food distribution to Bombay Beach. As participation grew, they worked with the Community Center to move the program into an air-conditioned space, making it more comfortable and accessible for everyone.
Their dedication reminds us that a strong community is built through steady acts of service, generosity, and neighbors helping neighbors. Thank you, Chris and James, for all you do.
Every project at B.B.A.C. is made possible by people who believe in the power of art, community, and shared purpose. Whether you live in Bombay Beach or are cheering us on from afar, there are many ways to get involved. Throughout this newsletter, you’ll find links to learn more, support specific projects, make an art donation, volunteer your time, or contribute financially. Thank you for helping us continue to build something meaningful together.
