September 20, 2005
By John Iwasaki, Seattle-Post Intelligencer

Taqueria La Fondita #2 began giving away tacos, burritos and tortas Monday for donations to help hurricane victims.

The images coming out of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast over the past few weeks have resonated with Oscar Brambila and his taco truck customers, many of whom emigrated from impoverished parts of the world.

He thought of writing a check to a relief agency, then figured he could raise more money by giving away food Monday and today at Taqueria La Fondita #2 and asking diners for donations to the American Red Cross.

His six employees, all from Mexico, agreed to work for free. Some are starting at 5 a.m. and putting in 12-hour shifts.

"In a country of immigrants," said Carlos Jimenez, who helped publicize the fund-raiser for his friend, "color, race or language is not a barrier to help. That's what Oscar had in mind, to just help."

Carol Fisher, who ordered a burrito for lunch Monday, said the contribution "amazes me, because they're not wealthy. They've built a very good clientele by being who they are. You never get bad food."

Many local restaurants aiding victims of Hurricane Katrina are donating part of their proceeds. Taqueria La Fondita #2 stands out because it is donating all food and labor for two days and doesn't have a high margin to begin with.

"People still don't believe we're giving away food. They think it's too much," said Brambila, whose event was promoted on a local Spanish-language radio station.

The large white signs with the urgent appeal -- "Ayudenos a Ayudar!" or "Help Us Help!" the survivors of Katrina -- didn't necessarily attract hordes of extra customers Monday. That's because Taqueria La Fondita #2 enjoys a brisk business already.

Wade Paradise, a student at South Seattle Community College who was initially leery of eating food cooked in a vehicle, now buys lunch or dinner -- and sometimes both -- nearly every day at the taco truck.

"These people work their behinds off," he said, after polishing off a taco plate Monday. "I'm sure they don't make an exceptional profit. They're showing (generosity) to the community that supports them."

Customers -- plumbers, bus drivers, high school students, business people, moms with kids -- on Monday dropped folded bills and change into large buckets marked "Gracias."

As part of the fund-raiser, which collected $2,040.86 Monday, two other Hispanic-owned businesses in the White Center area are donating items for a silent auction that concludes today at the taco truck. A travel agency is giving an airplane ticket to anywhere in Mexico or Central America, and an upholstery business will provide a living room set.

The benefit is organized in part by the Latino Leadership Institute, a non-profit organization that helps immigrants with education and other issues. Jimenez is executive director.

Though none had faced devastation like that experienced by the hurricane victims, some of those eating at Taqueria La Fondita #2 said they could empathize with the victims.

"Those people lost what they had worked for. They're looking back and seeing nothing," Alejandro Miranda said.

The survivors are thinking, "Where do I start now? Where and how?" said Miguel Sosa.

The two men, along with Javier Ramirez and Sylvester Vallejo, repeatedly said the loss of children after the hurricane disturbed them.

"They can rebuild a city, but human life lost is not coming back," Jimenez said, translating for the men. "There'll be new streets, new homes. But they're going to feel a little empty."

Get Involved

Taqueria La Fondita #2, a taco truck in White Center, will offer free Mexican food from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today. Customers, however, are asked to make a donation to the American Red Cross. The truck is parked on the corner of Southwest 98th Street and 15th Avenue Southwest. A silent auction is part of the fund-raiser.