A Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for our Village of Hope campus, Phase I, was held on April 22nd. Mayor of Merced, Matt Serratto, and Lloyd Pareira, Chairman, Merced County Board of Supervisors each gave remarks recognizing this great accomplishment which will benefit our whole community. Thanks to all who joined and shared this very special moment with us.

Mark Mayo, our Board Chair, welcomed everyone and provided a short history of the Mission. Paul Cauwels, Board Vice Chairman, gave the opening prayer. Founding partners were recognized by CEO Dr. Bruce Metcalf for their contributions toward purchasing land and building the facilities. Among these were Bill and Carolyn Ahlem, who donated the first seed money, Cori Lucero, Central Valley Opportunity Fund, Stephanie Sonnenshine, CEO Central California Alliance for Health, and Interim President Richard Moreland, Dignity Health Mercy Merced.

Special thanks were given to Jim Xu from Golden Valley Engineering, and Skip George, our contractor, Commercial Construction.

A reception followed and many people toured the facilities. A big thank you to Central Valley Community Bank for providing cookies for the event. Our chef Darryl provided mouthwatering appetizers.