Celebration Dominicana 2025
An annual fundraising event benefitting the Dominican Republic Partnership (DRMP) of Village Church
We have a lot to give thanks for and celebrate in 2025!
For 30 years, the Dominican Republic Medical Partnership (DRMP)—alongside our Dominican partners, Light a Candle Foundation—has helped provide life-saving surgeries and year-round healthcare and nutrition services for our brothers and sisters in the D.R.
Please join us Saturday, Oct. 11 for Celebration Dominicana 2025 as we to give thanks to God for all that God has done through the DRMP and to help us dream about what can happen in the next 30 years. The D.R. is an increasingly challenging place for the sugarcane cutters and their families due to mass deportation efforts being conducted by the Dominican government in response to the ever-worsening situation in Haiti. Our work continues.
This year, we are excited about a new, Overland Park venue—Milburn Country Club—for our annual fundraising event, with more room for guests indoors and out and better parking. Sandy Yan Meristal (also known to many as Wilkin), founder and CEO of Light A Candle Foundation, and his lively eight-piece band will perform at the event. We hope you join us for an unforgettable evening!
- Tickets are $50 and include all food and drinks. Sponsorships are also available.
- Tickets for those under 18 are $20.
Auction and Raffle Items
Would you like to support this mission with a donation of an auction/raffle item? We need gift cards, artwork, sports or event tickets, the offer of your vacation home, etc. Thank you!
Original painting by Teri Miller available at Silent Auction
dominican republic medical partnership
Celebrating 30 Years
The Dominican Republic Medical Partnership (DRMP) of Village Church provides health care and health education to children and adults living in the impoverished bateys (communities of Haitian sugarcane workers and their families) living near La Romana, Dominican Republic. We promote sustainable healthcare efforts with our Dominican partner organization, Light a Candle (Fundación Enciende Una Luz), including ongoing hypertension management, life-changing surgeries, disease prevention, healthy nutrition, dental healthcare, and more.
The DRMP is Village Church’s oldest international ministry. Andy Wilson introduced this ministry through our youth—traveling to La Romana to help with the construction of the Good Samaritan Hospital. Over the years our youth have, no doubt, mixed enough cement to fill several trucks! When Village members learned of the oppressive conditions of those working the sugarcane fields, the DRMP was born. Each year, about 125 people are part of annual mission trips and more serve in support roles.
