'How am I alive?' 3 beloved farmers market vendors were in accidents. Here's how to help

It's been a difficult few weeks for the Phoenix food community as three beloved vendors were in serious car accidents that resulted in damage to part or all of their businesses and major injuries for two of them.

Husband and wife James and Jawn Golo run a stand at the Downtown Farmers Market selling produce and honey every Saturday.

Richie Vaia or Richie V. also known as the Valley’s "Chicago Hot Dog Guy" sold Chicago style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches and pizza in Chandler.

Although the two accidents happened in different cities at different times, the result was the same: lost vans and trucks that meant loss of livelihood. Both vendors are now seeking the community’s help to rebuild.

Be part of the solution: Reimagining the future of food in south Phoenix

This refugee farming couple were in a serious car accident

On May 26, the Downtown Farmers Market announced on Instagram that James and Jawn Golo of Golo Family farms had been in an automobile accident.

James sustained fractures to his ribs and wrist and punctured lungs, while Jawn suffered facial fractures, according to their GoFundMe page. The couple spent some time in intensive care. James is now in rehab and Jawn was released from the hospital and is currently home.

If you ever visited the downtown market and passed by their farm stand, you no doubt were greeted with big smiles, whether or not you stopped to shop.

The Golos fled Ethiopia for the United States as refugees in 2009. They began farming through the New Roots Program run by the International Rescue Committee. The couple also participated in Feed Phoenix, a volunteer program committed to fighting food insecurity.

On May 7, on their way home from the market, a motorist swerved in front of their van, pushing them into oncoming traffic and causing them to hit a pole.

The community has rallied to raise money for a new van and to cover medical bills.

So far, the market’s GoFundMe page has raised $19,315 and is also taking donations on Saturday mornings at the market.

In addition to money, people have also offered to help in other ways and are offering messages of support on Instagram.

Kate Paxton posted a reply to the Instagram announcement: “These two are the sweetest! When my son was born during the start of COVID, they celebrated and sang to him so sweetly! He was blessed by them.”

The family will be posting updates to the GoFundMe page at Help Local AZ Farmer: Golo Family Farm.

'We want to empower Black people': How this Somali refugee is feeding Phoenix 

The Chicago Hot Dog Guy was also involved in a terrible accident

On May 30, Richie V, or Richie Vaia, the so-called "Chicago Hot Dog Guy," was in an accident on his way home from a charity trip.

Although he survived the crash, he suffered fractured toes and the impact completely destroyed his mobile hot dog stand.

Vaia opened his hot dog business, Richie V's Chicago Dogs, in April 2021 at the Sunbird Golf Resort.

A year later, in an Instagram video, he announced his quest to drive from Arizona to Chicago on Route 66. He planned to stop in 10 cities and bring the taste of Chicago to each one for free to raise awareness for mental health and to feed the unhoused.

"I did not sell one hot dog on the trip," said Vaia. "Everything was given away at historical landmarks and later in the day feeding a shelter or sober living facility."

He raised money for gas and food supplies for the cross country trip through sponsors like Vienna Beef and Micamp Solutions along with donations on Facebook.

"I have a lot of friends and family who are struggling with resources after COVID," said Vaia. "And when I serve food, people smile."

Vaia’s trip was a success. He fed 1,500 unhoused people.

Then, on his drive back to Chandler, he and the cart he was towing were hit by a semi-truck in Albuquerque.

"How am I alive? I must have had an angel protecting me," said Vaia. "But I am suffering a lot of physical, emotional and financial pain."

Vaia told ABC 15: “I’ll be back stronger than ever. How and When? I don’t know, but I’ll be back.”

He has set up a GoFundMe to help him rebuild his business and open a brick-and-mortar in Tempe or Chandler. So far, he has raised $7,603 of his goal of $50,000.

His GoFundMe page can be found at this Rebuild Richie V's Chicago Dogs.

Community in action: At this Ukrainian restaurant, dumplings always taste like home

Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @banooshahr on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: These Phoenix food vendors were in serious accidents. How to help