Adega Honoring Deceased Employee with ‘Helping Hands for José’ Fundraiser

On March 13, one of the most popular employees at Silver Spring’s , Jose Joni Hernandez, was admitted to Georgetown University Medical Center with headaches and nausea, according to a recent story in the Gazette.

Adega owner Walter Rhee gathered his employees at both the Silver Spring cafe, and Rhee’s D.C. bar, Dirty Martini, and launched Helping Hands for José, a fundraiser to aid in Hernandez’s recovery.

In just the first week, the fundraiser saw 94 donations, totaling $7,145.

Just ten days later, Hernandez passed away as a result of a rare neurological condition called cysticercosis, an infection caused by a tapeworm in pork, requiring the group to change plans. Now they seek to use the funds to help Hernandez’s family transport his body back to his native Honduras and support his son and two daughters who live there.  

Adega is accepting cash donations at their or via credit card on the Helping Hands for Jose website.