Salinas Valley shippers aid fire victims

MONTEREY, Calif. - Salinas Valley grower-shippers pitched in at a farmers market to help victims of the Soberanes fire burning north of Big Sur.

The Aug. 7 benefit at the Wharf Marketplace in Monterey relied on 22 pallets of donated fresh produce - including seven of berries - said event organizer Tony Baker, chef at Montrio Bistro.

As of that morning, the fire had burned more than 57,500 acres and destroyed 57 homes and 14 other buildings, according to Cal Fire. It was 45% contained.

"We put together this farmers market to raise money," Baker said. "It started out with an event at the (Monterey Bay) Aquarium. As donations of produce came in, we decided we were growing way beyond what we could do logistically in that challenging location. When we put the call out to help us with this event, the community really came together as a whole."

All proceeds go to the Soberanes Fire Fund at Community Foundation for Monterey County. Shoppers filled provided reusable bags with fresh produce for $25.

"We got a committee of about 20 people organizing volunteers," Baker said. "It was a phenomenal response. If you drive down Highway 68, about every 100 feet there's a sign that says 'Thank You' to the firefighters. That's just this community pulling together and appreciating what everyone is doing to get this fire out and take care of our community."

Among the more than 20 sponsors and volunteering organizations were Taylor Farms, Tanimura & Antle, Ocean Mist Farms, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Driscoll's, Dole, Colleen Strawberries, California Giant Berry Farms, The Nunes Co., Robinson Fresh and D'Arrigo Bros. Co. of California.