Photo Andy Scheck

It was business as usual at the Orinda Farmers' Market on last weekend's beautiful summer Saturday, but many have not forgotten the events of early June when a pair of window washers were severely injured after their cherry-picker struck a high voltage power line near the Market. 51-year old Jose Herrera subsequently died from his injuries, leaving behind a wife and family.

Eduardo Guerra, a 30-year old father whose wife is expecting their second child, remains in serious condition in the Burn Center at Santa Clara's Valley Medical Center. Farmers' Market Manager Janice Faust, with the support of the Contra Costa Certified Farmers' Market Association, has established funds at the Valley Medical Center Foundation (VMCF) to assist the victims' families.

Because Valley Medical Center is a public hospital, donated funds will not be used to pay medical expenses but instead will provide direct aid to the victims' families. "We are the only medical center in Santa Clara County that serves everyone, regardless of their ability to pay," explains VMCF Executive Director Christopher Wilder. "The families of patients in our Burn Center in particular, due the severe nature of the injuries, often find themselves dealing with economic hardship," Wilder continues. "All of the money received will be used to help meet the needs of the families, for things such as rent, food and transportation." The funds will be administered by the VMCF in collaboration with the hospital social worker who is working with the Guerra and Herrera families.

"These are really nice people, humble, and grateful for the help," says Faust.

Those interested in making a tax-deductible donation may make their checks payable to the Valley Medical Center Foundation. Wilder says it is very important that the name of the intended recipient, Eduardo Guerra or Jose Herrera, be printed on the memo line of the check to insure that the money reaches the family. If you would like to make a donation to both funds, please send two separate checks. Donations can be mailed to: VMC Foundation, 2400 Moorpark Avenue, Suite 207, San Jose, CA 95128. Credit card donations can be made by phone, just call (408) 885-5299. For more information about VCMF, go to www.vmcfoundation.org.

L.Borrowman