SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Ultras, the San Jose Earthquakes’ most prominent supporters’ group, and the Quakes Foundation have joined forces to feed frontline healthcare workers at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center on Friday, May 1 from 2:30-3:45 p.m.
The San Jose Ultras raised more than $4,000 through a GoFundMe page, which has been matched in full by the Quakes Foundation. The money will be used to cater three food trucks during the hospital’s largest shift change between day and swing. Over a thousand hospital staff members will be treated to delicious food from Akita Sushi, Arteaga’s and TacoMania.
“We’re extremely proud of the San Jose Ultras for stepping up to kickoff this event,” said Earthquakes director of community relations Rahul Devaskar. “The group has supported our team on the field for many years so we’re fortunate to be able to support their initiatives out in the community.”
The San Jose Ultras have become a staple at Earthquakes matches since 2003, proudly singing and waving flags in support of their team. On Friday, members of SJU and the Earthquakes Front Office will be cheering in support of hospital workers as they arrive for or depart from their shift that day, while safely observing social distancing guidelines. The food trucks will be strategically placed between the hospital’s five-story parking structure and main entrance.
“The anxiety, stress, and confusion many of us are feeling about the future can be overwhelming,” said leader of the San Jose Ultras Dan Margarit. “Sometimes the sadness and negativity these emotions bring makes us forget that there are plenty of positive things happening as we are all adapting to the changes the pandemic has brought into our lives. Every time we leave the house to buy food or go to work, we risk exposure to this invisible threat. However, there are others who are in the lion's den battling this disease directly. That's why I felt it was necessary to show our support and respect to our local medical workers who risk their lives to save ours, and also help the food truck owners who are now struggling like all small businesses. Reaching and surpassing our fundraiser's goal in a couple of hours made me so proud of our Black and Blue community. Thanks to everybody who donated and to the Quakes Front Office for matching what we raised.”
