"Out of every person that I have ever met, Linda is the most caring, inspiring, and thoughtful. I learned so many inspiring things from her that I was almost sobbing.  The love, inspiration, and kindness that Linda gave to each and every one of us in the ARC program was astonishing.  Linda was proud to talk to the entire group of ARC and say that we are all a blessing.  There is no one as magnificent as Linda that could give that much inspiration as she did to the ARC program. Linda was kind enough to give me advice, communicate with me, and say the wonderful things that enlightened my mind." ~ an excerpt from "Everyone Needs Inspiration," by Ricardo Amancio, Dos Palos High School

 

Linda's commitment and connection to ARC was matched by few. After being interviewed by Ricardo in the summer of 2008, she said, "It is I who owe you and the students my deepest gratitude for the invitation, the trust of allowing me to join in one of the most poignant experiences of my life. In our lives we have those moments where you witness love, where you know deep inside there is a truth in our purpose. I had one of those moments with you. I am humbled and renewed. I so loved meeting the students of ARC. They are so wise and to know they are judged by their limited ability to "speak and write in English" and thought to be less intelligent makes me crazy! I was struck by their stories - their poise, character and the uncomplicated relationship they have with the world around them. They are full of grace and have so much ahead of them. I pray that the little time I shared was as meaningful. I will never forget them - individually and as a group."

 

And we will never forget Linda. In honor of Linda Lopez, Adventure Risk Challenge has created a scholarship fund in her memory that will provide full scholarships to Merced County youth to participate in our 40-day summer course. We hope that by continuing Linda’s legacy, many more will be touched by her commitment to her community and to serving others. She embodies our core values of integrity, service, compassion, and determination, and we will forever treasure the impact she has had on us all. Click here to learn more about Linda's contributions to her community.

 

Join us in celebrating the life of Linda Lopez by supporting youth in Merced County. To make a tax-deductible contribution to the Linda Lopez Memorial Fund, please contact our Director, Jennifer Gurecki, by email at jgurecki@berkeley.edu or by calling 530.416.5682.