An Opportunity to Give Back

Growing up in Mexico, Manuel Mercado, learned the value of hard work and the importance of giving back. He came to the United States at age 18, harvesting strawberries in the fields of Watsonville. After several years, he was introduced to Delores Medina, who he would later marry and build a life together in Watsonville.

From harvester to tractor driver, to crew leader and ranch manager, Manuel worked his way up the ranks for 14 years. He was then given the opportunity to become a co-owner with Tom Driscoll, a shareholder and independent grower for Driscoll’s.

“If you have good fields and take care of your people, those are basically what you need to be successful,” says Manuel.

Twenty-one years later, Manuel continues to dedicate himself to those basics under his own growing operations at River Valley Farms.

In 2021, Manuel joined the Board of Directors at Dominican Hospital Foundation, to support the healthcare needs of farmworkers.

“I am incredibly proud to be part of the Foundation’s work to bring direct mobile clinic outreach with high-quality healthcare directly to our farmworker community.”

The Foundation’s efforts to promote health services in the South County led Manuel to become a direct sponsor.

“I wanted my three children, and especially my youngest son, Gabriel, to see that whatever you can do to help your community, it’s well worth it, no matter what you are able to contribute. Whatever we can do, we need to offer that back.”

The annual Partnership for Patient Care program recognizes sponsors year-round who give at levels of $10,000 or $30,000+. For sponsorship information, contact Alexandra Van Zanen at 831.462.7712 or visit supportdominican.org/partnership-for-patient-care.