Orange, CA – September 14, 2010 – On Sunday September 12, 2010, Cory Puentes of Interfresh, Inc.s San Bruno Office and Craig Jacob of Dole Fresh Fruit Company, Westlake Village, CA did their part to support the 33 trapped miners in Chile. Joining 31 other open water swimmers, Puentes and Jacob braved the 58 degree water and 3-knot currents in a 1.5 mile swim from Alcatraz Island to Aquatic Park in the San Francisco Bay. The swim was organized
by Water World Swim, the premier open water swimming organization in San Francisco.
Each of the 33 swimmers sponsored a trapped miner and swam in their honor. All entry fees and proceeds were donated to the families of the trapped miners in an effort to assist with their rescue. Local San Francisco and Chilean media were on hand to record the event, and at the end of the swim, each participant was able to say a few words of encouragement to their sponsored miner.
This was the second Alcatraz crossing for Puentes, who completed his first in August of 2009, and the first for Jacob, both of whom competed without wetsuits. “The water temperature was not much of a factor today”, mentioned Jacob, who added “what really made the swim tough today were the currents and the swells”.
Although the swim offers both a physical and mental challenge, both agreed that it was well worth the training and that it was something they would definitely do again. “About halfway through, your body tells you to stop, but you just have to push on, knowing that, with each stroke, you are closer to your destination.”, commented Puentes. “Its a tremendous feeling when you are able to stand up on the sandy bottom at the finish, and we are pleased to assist with the rescue of the miners, who could be trapped for 4 months or longer.” Jacob added “This was a really rewarding experience for me. First and foremost, it was a great opportunity to show my support for the trapped miners and their families, and secondly, it was great to show my support for the people of, and the country of Chile. Dole has 20 company-owned farms and over 3,000 employees there, so Chile is very important to us.”
Now in its 24th year of providing fresh fruits and vegetables to retailers, wholesalers and foodservice distributors, Interfresh continually strives to provide top-quality products year-round.
Headquartered in Orange, CA, Interfresh has expanded its reach and further developed its product line and services by opening new offices in strategic locations throughout California.
The experienced employees of Interfresh are driven by their passion to provide unparalleled services for a consistent, high-quality supply of fresh fruits and vegetables season to season. In addition to citrus, melons, pineapples and avocados, Interfresh handles an extensive line of fresh products including corn, asparagus, yams, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, grapes and soft fruit.
Source: Interfresh Inc.