Goodbye to Royal Oaks Feed
Donation protected
A message from the daughter:
My name is Michelle Serna, and I spent the first 17 years of my life behind the counter of Royal Oaks Feed & Tack. Most recently, I have also been the one behind the screen of our social media account. I have always found myself to have been incredibly fortunate to be the daughter of Manuel and Lael.
For 22 years I have watched my father run this business, and I have watched him do an incredible job. To me, my father is what one should aim for when thinking of the American Dream.
When some of you forgot to buy hay on a Tuesday, my father was the one that would stay late to make sure your animals could be fed. When your 4H, FFA, gymkhana and rodeo associations needed sponsors you could always count on my father to step up to the plate. If you needed bales of straw for your wedding or birthday party he would be the first one to deliver it. When the recession hit he let his customers open accounts so that their animals would not starve. He has watched your children grow. Shown them how to hold a baby chick for the first time. Special ordered hog feed for their 4H projects.
My father has never once asked for a thank you. Because he simply did not need it. He believes in a community that supports their own. He preaches that animals are the best thing you can give a child. He was never shy to a long conversation. His afternoon barbecue sessions hosted an invite to all.
Nearly five years ago I left Royal Oaks and moved to San Francisco. Since then I have attended Stanford University, and began a career in the biotech and healthcare industry. If my father was scared when I left, I never had a clue. He has raised me in the same way that he has ran his business. With passion, compassion for others, and a willingness to venture into the unknown.
As my parents close their business they are once again venturing into the unknown. Just as my father has given to the community for so many years, I ask now that the community give back to him. I have started a GoFundMe campaign to provide my parents with stability as they venture into their new lives, and hopefully soon my father is able to have a retirement that he deserves.
My name is Michelle Serna, and I spent the first 17 years of my life behind the counter of Royal Oaks Feed & Tack. Most recently, I have also been the one behind the screen of our social media account. I have always found myself to have been incredibly fortunate to be the daughter of Manuel and Lael.
For 22 years I have watched my father run this business, and I have watched him do an incredible job. To me, my father is what one should aim for when thinking of the American Dream.
When some of you forgot to buy hay on a Tuesday, my father was the one that would stay late to make sure your animals could be fed. When your 4H, FFA, gymkhana and rodeo associations needed sponsors you could always count on my father to step up to the plate. If you needed bales of straw for your wedding or birthday party he would be the first one to deliver it. When the recession hit he let his customers open accounts so that their animals would not starve. He has watched your children grow. Shown them how to hold a baby chick for the first time. Special ordered hog feed for their 4H projects.
My father has never once asked for a thank you. Because he simply did not need it. He believes in a community that supports their own. He preaches that animals are the best thing you can give a child. He was never shy to a long conversation. His afternoon barbecue sessions hosted an invite to all.
Nearly five years ago I left Royal Oaks and moved to San Francisco. Since then I have attended Stanford University, and began a career in the biotech and healthcare industry. If my father was scared when I left, I never had a clue. He has raised me in the same way that he has ran his business. With passion, compassion for others, and a willingness to venture into the unknown.
As my parents close their business they are once again venturing into the unknown. Just as my father has given to the community for so many years, I ask now that the community give back to him. I have started a GoFundMe campaign to provide my parents with stability as they venture into their new lives, and hopefully soon my father is able to have a retirement that he deserves.
Organizer
Michelle Nicole
Organizer
Watsonville, CA