The Village Exchange Center (VEC) celebrated its 3rd Anniversary and annual fundraiser at The Hangar at Stanley Marketplace in Aurora on Wednesday, January 22.

Pastor and Co-Founder Marcel Narucki welcomed guests to the event. Among the honored guests were Deserai Crow, wife of Congressman Jason Crow, and Rev. Dr. Timothy E. Tyler, the Mountaintop Award presenter and pastor of Denver’s Shorter Community African Methodist Episcopal Church. This year’s Mountaintop Award was presented to Papa Dia, Founder and President of the African Leadership Group (ALG), an advocacy organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for immigrants.

David and Elizabeth Pedley; Katherine and Chris Hahn

Founded in 2017, the Village Exchange Center is a non-profit organization formed to serve immigrants and refugees in the Aurora/Denver metro area. The Village Exchange Center is a community center that collaborates with critical programs for refugee, immigrant and local communities. The Center also offers community space to celebrate religious and cultural diversity.

The event, attended by more than 300 guests, featured several local Denver metro vendors and traditional foods from several countries. Entertainment was provided by the Old School Messengers, Gloria Congolese Choir, a cultural dance by Kachin Congregation, and Singer/Songwriter Rob Drabkin.


As a community center and multi-faith worship space VEC seeks to celebrate cultural and religious diversity by creating an inclusive environment where residents from all backgrounds interact, share and develop together.

According to the Center, during the past 40 years the United States has welcomed more than 3.2 million refugees representing more than 70 nationalities. The organization strives to provide a welcoming environment for all immigrants and refugees.

For more information visit www. villageexchangecenter.org or call 720-668-9968.

Blacktie Colorado
Blacktie Colorado