BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The CSU Bakersfield spirit squads brought energy and excitement to the 23ABC annual Community Baby Shower on Thursday morning, an event benefiting The Mission at Kern County and the Bakersfield Pregnancy Center.

Starting at 6 a.m., the CSU Bakersfield Cheer and Dance teams performed cheers and sideline dances to add spirit to the early morning broadcast while being featured live on air. Spirit Squad members also helped collect donations, thanked donors, and organize items for later distribution. During their visit, members also met Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh and City Councilman Andrae Gonzales.

"Giving back to our community is and will always be a core pillars in our program," said Head Cheerleading coach Arthur Smith. "Providing our student-athletes opportunities to meet community leaders like the mayor or Councilman Gonzales is a great networking experience for them as well."

After greeting guests and donors, the members toured the 23ABC studio to learn how a live news broadcast comes together. "It was really cool to get a behind-the-scenes look at how what we see on TV really comes together," said one spirit squad member.

The community is encouraged to stop by the 23ABC studios to donate to the Community Baby Shower. Contributions will be accepted until 7 p.m.