Donations given in memory of murder victim Donations given in memory of murder victim (January 02, 2004)

With matching grants, over $20,000 has been given to Holiday Fund

By Julie O'Shea

The Mountain View Fire Fighters donated $1,000 to the Voice Holiday Fund drive in memory of Doris Condon, the 77-year-old Jardin Drive murder victim.

"We had several firefighters respond to that call," said union president John Miguel, referring to the late October burglary that left Condon with severe head injuries. She eventually died from the injuries a month after her attack.

The Mountain View Fire Fighters have donated to charities in memory of local crime victims in the past, Miguel said, adding that union members thought a donation to the Voice's Holiday Fund, which raises money for six local nonprofits, would be a fitting tribute to Condon.

"This is really just a great way to help so many people," Miguel said.

Los Altos residents Pat and Chet Frankenfield also donated $100 to the fund in memory of Condon, "our friend and neighbor."

An anonymous donor gave $100 in memory of Rick Bell, a former Mountain View-Los Altos High School board trustee who drowned after falling over a waterfall in Hawaii last month.

"We are extremely grateful and pleased with the generous response to the Holiday Fund from the Mountain View community," said Voice Publisher Tom Gibboney.

With contributions of matching funds from the Packard, Hewlett, Wakerly and Krause foundations, the Voice hopes to raise $40,000 this year to support the local agencies and the people who benefit from their services.

As of Monday, total donations from the holiday drive reached $10,391.75, which means $20,783.50 will go toward the six nonprofits - the Community Services Agency of Mountain View and Los Altos, the Community Health Awareness Council, Mountain View RotaCare Free Clinic, Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Santa Clara County, the Support Network of Battered Women, and the Community School of Music and Art.

The Voice hopes to add to the fund and will accept donations through Jan. 16. Although this is the last week the Holiday Fund coupon will be published in the paper, readers can call 964-6300 for more information.

E-mail Julie O'Shea at joshea@mv-voice.com

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