On Friday, August 20, Anthesis hosted a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate our new headquarters building located in Ontario. The event kicked off with the ribbon cutting ceremony, hosted by the Greater Ontario Business Council.
Cheryl Gilbert, President of the Anthesis Board of Directors, gave opening remarks about how Anthesis got started – in 1966 by a group of determined parents who wanted more independent lives for their children – and continues seeing success with the transition to a new headquarters building. Cheryl’s main message was a special thank you to Anthesis’ staff for their commitment to carry out the mission every day. Mitch Gariador, Executive Director, closed the ceremony with a fantastic speech thanking all partners who made the new building possible and describing how Anthesis has triumphed despite challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although Anthesis’ headquarters relocated, the mission remains the same—to support independent and inclusive lives for adults with [dis]abilities through employment and community integration. Event attendees toured the building to see the ins and outs of what it takes to run Anthesis’ programs and support participants. They also enjoyed some delicious charcuterie boxes kindly put together by Transition program participants.
We are truly thankful to be a part of such an amazing community that has supported Anthesis over the past 55 years! The celebration of our new headquarters was paused for several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was worth the wait to open our doors to the community that made this move possible.
A special thank you to the following officials who offered a warm welcome and certificates of recognition: Mayor of Ontario, Paul Leon, Mayor of Montclair, John Dutrey, Congresswoman Norma Torres, Senator Connie Leyva, Assemblyman Freddie Rodriguez, Supervisor Curt Hagman and the Greater Ontario Business Council. The representatives present at the event included: Councilmember Debra Dorst-Porada, Karen Haughey, Marisol Guerra, Claudia Rubio, and Peggi Hazlett.
Couldn’t make it to our Grand Opening? Not a problem! We have the entire Ribbon Cutting Ceremony recorded on Facebook. Click here to view.