On October 16th, Twilight Rotary welcomed Toni Harper, the Vice President of Philanthropy of the Friends of Mercy Foundation! Also Happy Early Birthday President Margaret Palmer (October 18th)!
Toni informed the club about the history of Mercy Hospital, starting with the St. Clair Hospital in 1910, which The Sisters of Mercy took over after moving from Los Angeles to Bakersfield.
After a while though, it was no longer adequate for the growing needs of the community. They then purchased the historic Tevis Ranch and moved St. Clair Hospital to to the Truxtun Site. It was constructed for $41,000, with a gift from William DeGana, a parishioner at St. Francis Church.
After the Earthquake of 1952, the Sisters are able to rebuild it with a federal grant, with a match of private funds. They expanded into what we see today and future expansions are on the way with a whole new facility incoming. Awesome stuff!
Also, it was somebody's upcoming birthday! Happy Early Birthday President Margaret! Club Programs Lead Amy Smith presented her a with a beautiful cake!
Upcoming events!
Don't forget about Bingo Night!
Happy 10-year Rotary Anniversary to Garret Colagtrulio!