This story was updated on April 24, 2026.
MADERA, Calif. – Valley Children’s Hospital has completed a strategic acquisition that strengthens its ability to care for children across the Central Valley – now and well into the future.
The organization recently purchased Gunner Ranch, Inc., which owns 277 acres of land adjacent to the Valley Children’s Hospital campus in Madera County. The acquisition is part of Valley Children’s long‑term financial stewardship and campus strategy, designed to help ensure the hospital remains strong, stable and able to serve children for generations to come.
“Because the Central Valley is recognized as a dynamic growth center of California, its families rely upon and deserve forward-looking leadership and planning that anticipates the changes and challenges of a constantly evolving healthcare system,” said Todd Suntrapak, President and CEO of Valley Children’s Healthcare. “With this acquisition, we are able to ensure that the continuing integrity and highest quality of our children’s healthcare mission will benefit from an even more unshakeable foundation.”
This strategic investment will help Valley Children’s create diversified, sustainable revenue that supports long‑term stability and strengthens the organization’s ability to fund patient care, programs and services. This is especially important amid ongoing financial uncertainty in healthcare – particularly for children’s hospitals like Valley Children’s, where three out of every four patients rely on Medi‑Cal.
The acquisition also represents a continuation of a longstanding relationship with the Gunner family. In 1993, longtime Valley Children’s supporters Richard and Mimi Gunner donated the original parcel of land on which the hospital sits today, making it possible for Valley Children’s to build a campus in a beautiful setting with room to grow and meet the increasing healthcare needs of patients and their families throughout the region.
“Valley Children’s has always cared for kids and strengthened Central Valley communities,” said Richard Gunner. “This next chapter builds on the shared commitment that started with the original gift and will help the hospital serve families for years to come.”
The purchase was completed for approximately $107 million, utilizing reserves built over years of disciplined financial planning.
The 277 acres of property are fully approved for future development. While long-term planning remains in the early stages, Suntrapak added, “Throughout this process, our focus will remain exactly where it belongs: on our kids and families.”
