By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Honoring EU athlete who saved four lives
Organ-donors-DSC 1455-LT
Manteca Senior Center Saturday Breakfast Crew are pictured with the Zaragoza Organ Donor hosts State Senator Bill Berryhill, left, and Zona Zaragoza mother of the East Union athlete who has donated his organs to save four lives. Servers from left are Peggy Thompson-Spears, Peggy Williams, seated Rosemary Mehan, John Henry, Eneva Jackson, Chuck Crutchfield, Ray Dion, Mona McClain and Veronica DeBrum. Organizer Jo Ann Jamerson is pictured seated in the center. - photo by GLENN KAHL

A thank you breakfast Saturday at 9 a.m. with chicken fried steak as the centerpiece of the menu is being held in honor of the late East Union High School athlete Matthew Zaragoza Van Gelderen who has donated seven organs to save four lives.

The event is being held at the Manteca Senior Center with waiters from the “Saturday Breakfast Crew” guaranteeing it to be a classy gathering.  Former Assemblyman Bill Berryhill - who is an organ recipient himself - and Zona Zaragoza are the hosts and the four recipients of Matthew’s organs are each planning to speak to the group.  Zona is the mother of the teen whose organ transplants made a life and death difference in the lives of others.

Using first names only Lorna received Matthew’s heart and both lungs.  Gary was able to walk his daughter down the aisle at her wedding after receiving Matthew’s kidney and pancreas.  Sarah received Matthew’s liver and Tom was given Matthew’s other kidney.

The donation for the breakfast is set at $7 with the event lasting just over an hour until about 10 a.m. at the center located at 285 Cherry Lane. Breakfast tickets are available at the senior center office.