FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno FC, WBC champion boxer Jose Ramirez and the city’s local Dave & Buster’s, have gathered to assist the family of Moises Martinez through an auction and meet-and-greet event this week.

On Tuesday, October 16th, Moises suffered a brain aneurysm while working on a vehicle with his father. Moises underwent emergency surgery at UC San Francisco, where he is currently on life support. Moises, who grew up in Selma, California, played for the Fresno Fuego for two seasons and was a member of the Fresno FC U-23s training roster this season. 

“It is a tragic time for the local soccer community as we continue to pray for Moises and his family,” said Fresno FC General Manager Frank Yallop. “Moises is an excellent example of how the beautiful game can impact a person to better themselves and their community through his career at Selma High, West Hills College, and later with Fresno Fuego and Fresno FC.”

"I can only imagine what the Martinez family is going through. It is during times like this that athletes should come together to help one of their own,” added Ramirez. “My prayers are with his family daily.”

The auction will consist of a Fresno FC-autographed jersey and ball, as well as a pair of autographed gloves from Ramirez, a 16-by-20 signed photograph from Jose Ramirez’s WBC title fight in September, and a signed official fight shirt from Ramirez’s bout at Madison Square Garden. All the items will be auctioned as one item, with all of the proceeds going to the Martinez family. 

"When I heard Moises’ story, it made me want to get something done immediately to help, so I called Jose [Ramirez] and my friends at Fresno FC,” said promoter and Ramirez’s manager Rick Mirigian. “This young man from the Valley reminded me a lot of Jose."

Jason Del Campo, General Manager of the Dave & Buster's here in Fresno, has agreed to play host venue for the Meet-&-Greet and is also assisting with the fundraiser, both internally and via messaging to Dave & Buster's fans via email and the company's social media channels.

Bids can be placed by calling the Fresno FC office at 559-320-2525 or by emailing rmirigian@gmail.com.  The auction will close Thursday, Nov. 1st at 2 p.m. Following the auction period, the Foxes and Jose Ramirez will host a free meet-and-greet at Dave & Busters in Fresno from 4 to 5 p.m., as well as collect more donations for the Martinez Family.

Moises’ story has already made headlines, with coverage from The Fresno Bee, ABC 30, and NBC Sports. The local community has already surpassed the initial fundraising goal of $15,000 on GoFundMe set up by Moises’ childhood friend Cristian Espinoza. Donations are still being collected online, at www.gofundme.com/moises-martinez.