Hi, my name is Mike Close, and I’m reaching out to our community for support during a devastating time.

Last week, our Spinnaker Family suffered a heartbreaking loss. Cesar Gomez, the beloved son of Felipe Gomez, tragically lost his life in a car accident on his way home from work. I've known Cesar for over half of my life, and both he and his father have been dedicated members of the Spinnaker Development and Close Family for nearly 30 years combined.

Cesar, at 38 years old, was one of the most vibrant souls I’ve ever known. Just months ago, he married his beautiful wife, Erika Ayar, and they were eagerly planning to start a family of their own. Cesar was not only a husband and son but also a philanthropist, a volunteer, and a highly talented musician. His infectious smile and magnetic personality could brighten any room in an instant. His zest for life, courage, and spirit were truly inspiring and a testament to the strength of his family and the love he shared with Erika.

With this unexpected tragedy comes a significant financial burden for both families. The outpouring of support from our community over the past several days has been overwhelming, and I deeply understand the challenges that lie ahead for our extended family in the weeks and months to come.

My goal is to raise funds within our incredibly strong and generous community to assist with the families' funeral expenses. As many of you know, the Gomez family has faced challenges recently, and your contribution can make a meaningful difference in alleviating their financial stress during this time of grief.

Cesar and Erika had recently settled in Northern California, where the accident occurred. It is the shared wish of both families to bring Cesar home to Los Angeles, his hometown, for his memorial and burial. This adds additional challenges and expenses for the family as they navigate this heartbreaking process.

Personally, I've experienced loss in my life, but none have shaken me quite like this one. Despite the distance between Cesar and me, we always maintained a close bond. Recently, I was honored to support his immigration process by writing a letter attesting to his character and citizenship. In doing so, I was reminded of how truly remarkable he was and the profound impact he had on everyone around him. His spirit, kindness, and dedication to improving his community were unparalleled. Cesar's absence leaves a void that words struggle to fill.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude, as do both affected families, for your consideration in supporting this cause. Our goal is to allow them to grieve and celebrate Cesar's life without the burden of financial worries. Even the smallest donation will have a profound impact. We are deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support from our community, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Together, let's help the Gomez and Ayar families find their footing again.