Written By:
Nora Wallace - Marketing and Public Relations Manager 

More than 250 runners and walkers brought a burst of color to the Mission Club on Sept. 26, 2026, as they participated in the Lompoc Hospital District Foundation Colorthon, raising more than $22,000 to support local healthcare. 

Proceeds from the annual 5K walk/run will benefit the Foundation’s priority initiative, the Lompoc Health – Village Center project, while furthering its broader mission of supporting healthcare programs, services and facilities throughout the Lompoc Valley. 

The popular Colorthon 5K fundraiser drew individuals, families and teams for a morning centered on fitness, fun and community involvement. Along the course, volunteers greeted participants at a series of color stations, showering runners and walkers with brightly colored cornstarch and ensuring that nearly everyone crossed the finish line covered in a rainbow of color. 

“We are incredibly grateful for the community’s support of this year’s Colorthon,” said Lompoc Hospital District Foundation President Alice Milligan. “Welcoming more than 250 participants and raising $22,000 was a wonderful success, but what made the day especially meaningful was seeing so many people come together in support of local healthcare. We sincerely thank our sponsors, participants, volunteers and everyone who helped make the Colorthon such a fun and successful event.” 

Funds raised through the 2026 Colorthon will be donated to Lompoc Valley Medical Center to support Lompoc Health – Village Center, a new healthcare facility being developed to expand access to care for residents of Vandenberg Village, Vandenberg Space Force Base and the greater Lompoc Valley. 

The first phase of the approximately 15,000-square-foot facility is anticipated to open in late 2026 and will include 12 exam rooms, a treatment room, provider offices, blood draw services and limited imaging capabilities. A future second phase will add additional exam rooms and allow for expanded primary care, pediatric and specialty services. 

LVMC Chief Executive Officer Yvette Cope, MSN, RN, said the success of the Colorthon reflects the community’s continued investment in the future of local healthcare. 

“Every person who participated, volunteered, sponsored or donated to the Colorthon played a part in helping us expand access to healthcare close to home,” Cope said. “The Village Center represents an important investment in the future of our community, and we are deeply grateful to the Foundation and to everyone who is helping make this new facility possible.” 

The Foundation extends its appreciation to the many businesses, organizations and individuals whose support contributed to the event’s success, including Allan Hancock College, Bank of the Sierra, J.R. Barto Heating, Air Conditioning and Sheet Metal Inc., Jordano’s, Mary Sharp CPA, the Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization (LVCHO, Coastal Vision, Assisted Home Health and Hospice and Jana Hunking. 

The Foundation also thanks its many additional donors, tee sign sponsors and volunteers, whose contributions of funding, time and energy helped make the 2026 Colorthon a successful community fundraiser.