Help Poke Go Recover from Devastating Fire

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,

My name is Suki, and I am a local resident of Castro Valley, a mother of three wonderful children, and the owner of Poke Go located in Lake Chabot Public Market.

Today, I am humbly reaching out to you for help. On May 30, 2024, our beloved marketplace was devastated by a 3-alarm fire, all our efforts turned to dust, rust and decay in few hours.

Our Dream and Devastation

Just nine months ago, I poured my heart, soul, and every last penny I had into buying a small restaurant. I even borrowed money from my sister overseas to make this dream a reality. Our lives revolved around this humble place, where my mom and I worked tirelessly every day to make it thrive. We were tired but driven. This summer of 2024 was supposed to be our turning point, the time when we could start repaying my sister and securing a brighter future for my children.

Setback by Fire

On May 30, 2024, a massive fire broke out at our premises, causing extensive damage and leading to the closure of all operations. Due to the severity of the incident, ALL BUSINESSES in lake Chabot public market will be CLOSED until further notice. This 3-alarm fire not only destroyed the restaurant's facilities but also significantly impacted the livelihood of our family. The devastation left by the fire has temporarily halted their operations and posed enormous financial strain and rebuilding challenges.

Our Current Situation

We didn't have insurance to cover the damages, and because we never took a salary, my mom and I are ineligible for unemployment benefits.

On top of these challenges, we are burdened with outstanding loans and debts, bills, contract termination fees, the costs to repair the shop. Even considering relocating feels impossible without sufficient funds.

Our Plea for Help



Today, I am humbly reaching out to you for help. Your support will go towards rebuilding our restaurant and providing stability for my children. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to recovery. Your kindness will help us rebuild our lives.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read our story.

With deepest gratitude,

Suki