Generous response to Valley farmer's well fund

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Dinuba farmer who started a fund drive to save another grower keep his farm was stunned to see the generous response from the Valley.

Since the story aired on Action News last week, over $5,000 has been raised.

When Paul Buxman and his wife Ruth played for a Sunday service at Sierra View Homes in Reedley, seniors started putting money and checks into his viola case.

The 68-year-old Buxman thought "What's happening here? We do this for free. No, this is to help that farmer guy. That fellow, that one. I saw you and you were talking about him. He needs water."

That fellow was 75-year-old Will Scott, Jr. of Fresno. Will's wells are going dry so this may be his last season. But he has never asked for any help.

Scott explained, "I don't know if you call it pride or whatever but I was taught to stand on your own two feet."

Paul said Will should put that pride in his back pocket.

Buxman's phone hasn't stopped ringing. He said, "I actually had to turn it off during church service because people kept calling."

People have also dropped by or sent checks to Paul's Sweet Home Ranch in Dinuba where it is now Hachiya persimmon season. Agriculture is the fabric which has weaved these two small farmers together.

Scott said, "In this life sometimes you do the right things but you find yourself in a hole. Sometimes it's a hole you didn't dig yourself but you know you need help out."

Will hopes to have his signs back up at farmers markets in Fresno and Oakland. Buxman met Scott once a few years ago but felt compelled to help. Both were stunned by the public response.

Paul said, "What it tells me is that Will Scott has lived such a life that people have taken note of the love he has given to this community and it is coming back to him."

It will cost about $40,000 to drill two 350-foot wells on Will's farm. Paul's idea of having folks sponsor one foot for $50 has hit pay dirt.

He said, "We're about a third of the way down on his domestic or ag well."

Buxman even found a well driller who said, "Put me down for 20 feet to get it started."

Donors will also receive a signed lithographic from Buxman, who is also a talented artist.

For more information you can contact:

Will Scott Well Fund
C/O Paul Buxman
4399 Avenue 400
Dinuba, Ca 93618
(559) 696-7187