August and Elsie Martin wanted to do something in return for the miracle they believe they were granted. Several years ago, Augie had a life-threatening stroke. The doctors told the Martin family that Augie would probably not survive, and had little chance of recovery. They warned that if he did survive, he would have lifelong disabilities. That bleak prognosis did not deter Elsie’s belief that Augie would indeed survive, and with the power of prayer, determination and will, Augie made a complete recovery.

After his recovery, Augie was awakened by dreams. So grateful for the miracle that had occurred, he was consumed with in some way giving back, and his recurring dreams were leading him to caring for the most fragile, abused and neglected children. He woke Elsie in the middle of the night and insisted, they needed to find a way to help children.

They decided to hold a fundraiser at their dairy farm. It would be a barbeque dinner, dance and auction. Augie and Elsie approached the Family Support Network at Oak Valley Hospital, and a partnership was formed. The FSN offered to provide assistance with the auction part of the fundraiser, providing computer work, photocopying, letterhead, postage and office supplies for the auction. Elsie procured more than 200 items for the first auction. Most of the food was donated for the dinner. The first fundraiser was held in August of 1999 and was attended by 650 people and raised $72,400. The second fundraiser was held in September 2000 and was attended by 850 people and raised $150,000. In September of 2001, with the help of a committee and one week after this nation’s tragedy on September 11th, the third fundraiser was held and was attended by more than 1000 people and raised $135,000. Along with an interest free $100,000 loan from the City of Oakdale, a donation of $300,000 from the Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation, grants from the Stanislaus County Children and Families Prop 10 Commission, and various other donations, more than $775.000 had been raised in less than three years to purchase and renovate the 5,000 square foot home that is now the Children’s Guardian Home.

Every step toward the opening of the home was a blessing. Elsie recounts that as the home needed things during and after the renovation, the community came through. Every single bit of the home came to fruition by donations and blessings from the community of Oakdale. The annual fundraiser is an event that is attended by over 1000 people every year, and has over the last 20 years been able to provide shelter and services to over 17,000 children.