June 27, 2013 -- Living where we do, we are fortunate to have access to a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables sitting in our markets ready to purchase and enjoy. Have you ever given any thought to the hands that brought the food to market? What about access to health care for the people who work the crops and harvest the food?
Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation’s inaugural launch of The Grape Adventure event on Saturday, June 29, 2013, brings companies and individuals together for just this purpose: to support health care for migrant and seasonal farm workers at Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center. The Grape Adventure includes a tour through some of Willamette Valley’s finest wineries, followed by a Garden Party at REX HILL, and it provides the perfect opportunity to learn more about innovations at Virginia Garcia while enjoying a beautiful wine country setting.
Christine Rontal, Executive Director of the Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation stated: “We are grateful to see so many individuals and companies coming together to support services for migrant and seasonal farm workers. Proceeds from the day will go to support health care and dental care, parenting classes, migrant camp services, and diabetes and chronic pain management classes at Virginia Garcia.”
Guests will tour Virginia Garcia clinics in Beaverton and McMinnville, followed by winery tours in the Willamette Valley. Along the way, they will learn about the art of winemaking from vintners and innovations in health care from Virginia Garcia staff and board. The Garden Party at REX HILL will feature small plates from Genoa, wine tastings, live music, a paddle raise and a silent auction. Although the bus tours are sold out, there is still an opportunity to join the Garden Party by contacting René Heade at 503-352-8611.
“Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center began more than 38 years ago when a six-year old girl named Virginia Garcia, daughter of migrant farm workers, died from a simple foot wound because barriers prevented her from accessing the care she needed,” said Gil Muñoz, CEO of Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center. “Today, we serve more than 36,000 patients annually at multiple clinic sites in Washington and Yamhill Counties, but we never forget the legacy of Virginia and the services we continue to provide to migrant and seasonal farm workers.”
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, The Standard, CareOregon, PavelComm, Umpqua Private Bank, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, and Providence Newberg Medical Center are sponsoring the event. Winery tours include Adelsheim Vineyard, Anne Amie Vineyards, Archery Summit, Brick House Vineyards, and REX HILL.
To learn more about Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation and Health Center, please visitwww.virginiagarcia.org.
