From Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty's Office
Many local businesses and city and county agencies came together last week to raise enough money to buy April Boag Martinez and her family a new (gently used) trailer, which was presented in a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony last Friday.
April Boag Martinez is a jockey and horse trainer, who works on the Alameda County Fairgrounds and also lives there in the R.V. South trailer park with her two young children.
Due to a devastating fire, which took place the family’s trailer on Monday, February 11, Martinez and her children (ages 12 and 5) have been staying with a friend in same the R.V. park with nothing more than the clothes they were wearing the day of the fire.
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Martinez, a Pleasanton resident of nearly 12 years, said the fire began
in the bedroom of her 32-foot trailer, and then consumed the entire trailer within only a couple of minutes.
Luckily, she, her 5-year-old son, and the family dog were able to escape unharmed with only the clothes on their backs, and no shoes. Martinez’s 12-year-old daughter was not home when the fire started.
When asked what she thought of all of the people and organizations who came out for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and those who made the new trailer possible, Martinez was gracious.
“This is incredible! I am at a loss for words," Martinez said. "The amount of support we have received from the community and the race track is amazing. We are just normal, everyday people, and after such a devastating turn of events, this is like winning the lottery.”
Alameda County Sheriff Gregory Ahern said of the fire and the trailer presentation, “I’m just glad that nobody was hurt. I am happy to help, and I wish April and her family the best. Welcome to [their] new home!”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in the field across from the R.V. South trailer park located on Road 8, near gate 12 on the Alameda County fairgrounds.
During the presentation, Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty addressed Ms. Martinez and the crowd of contributors and supporters, “All that has taken place following this unfortunate event is a direct reflection of the strength of our great community. This has truly been a community effort, and one which I am beyond proud to be a part of. This is what happens when people get together to make things better.”
Frank Imhof of Imhof Tractor Services, who worked for 10 days to coordinate much of the donors list and facilitate the purchase of the trailer said, “It was a sad story of a single mom in need. She needed help, and I could, so I did.”
“It’s our community, and it’s the right thing to do. It is my pleasure to help the family get back on their feet, and to be associated with so many others who feel the same,” said Jim McGrail of McGrail Vineyards.
If any member of the community wishes to contribute to Martinez family as they begin to put together the pieces of their new lives in their new home, a bank account has been set up at the Fremont Bank-Pleasanton branch located at 6654 Koll Center Pkwy., suite 345 in the name of April Boag Martinez.
