On August 15 and 16, 2003, The Guadalupe Centers, Inc, (GCI) celebrated the "Gran Inauguración" of its new culinary and cultural arts building celebrating. This new facility is connected to the adobe building that was built in 1936.

On Friday, August 15th, 350 funders and supporters enjoyed music, food, and dance performances in the new and breath-taking facility. GCIs Executive Director Cris Medina and Board President Steve Hermes thanked our "amigos" for their support and patience during the construction of the new building. Donors to the capital campaign were recognized including the city of Kansas City, Missouri, Hall Family Foundation, Hallmark Cards Corp., the E.M. Kauffman Foundation, Kemper Foundation/Commerce Bank, and the Mabee Foundation. In addition dignitaries in the audience were also thanked such as Governor Bob Holden, Congresswoman Karen McCarthy, County Legislator Scott Burnett, Mayor Kay Barnes and the Honorable Everardo Suarez, Consulate of Mexico. A special "mil gracias" was given to U.S. Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond for his belief and support of our project over the years.

The new building, which totals 24,000 square feet, is designed to house five of the 14 programs provided by the Guadalupe Center. It offers an art gallery, a 200-seat state-of-the-art theater with an indoor and outdoor stage. A special treat was realized when delicious hors d'oeuvres and other scrumptious appetizers were prepared and served by GCIs own Culinary Arts Program. The facility offers two commercial-grade kitchens specifically for the Culinary Arts program and catering facility. The catering kitchen allows GCI to prepare up to 1,000 meals available to groups and the community for wedding receptions, parties, meetings and other events. Trio Aztlan, Mariachi Mexico, and Boss Nova entertained the crowd along with the El Grupo Atotonilco folkloric.

Following this successful reception, on Saturday, August 16th residents of the greater Kansas City area and the Westside communities were invited into the building during a daylong schedule of events. A mass was held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine at 4:00 p.m. led by Fr. Ramon Gaitán of Los Angeles. After the mass a procession of 400 people led by Fr. Gaitán and Mariachi Mexico walked from the church to the new building carrying the center's Madonna collection. The collection was kept at the church for safe keeping during construction of the new building. As the crowd arrived at the building, flags were returned to the center's flagpoles, at which point Fr. Gaitán blessed the building, while members of the community along with Cris Medina cut the ribbon adorning the center's new east doors. The community was welcomed into the new building and the Madonna's were placed in their new, permanent home. Approximately 2,500 people attended on Saturday!

Guests were treated to appetizers, drinks, and performances by Mariachi Mexico, El Grupo Atotonilco, and Grupo Montú from San Antonio, TX. "This building is the culmination of many prayers from many people in the community," said Lali Garcia, GCI board member and life-long resident. This sentiment was repeated by many who entered the doors of the new building.

Even if you missed our grand events, members of the community are welcome to stop by for a visit. Remember that the center is available for parties, receptions, meetings, and events. For rental information or to visit our new home, please contact Margo Ramirez, 816-421-1015 x151.