FOCC Honorary Mayor Candidate 2025 ~ Heather Ford

Heather Ford ~ "The Mattress Mama"

Who is "The Mattress Mama"?

Heather Ford, affectionately known as “The Mattress Mama”, is a proud Fair Oaks native and a graduate of Bella Vista High School. Her love for this community began early, as she dedicated her time to volunteering as a Camp Fire Girl—an experience that shaped her passion for service and giving back.

After earning her B.S. in Recreation Administration from Chico State (where she jokes she learned her "best BS!"), Heather started her career in Meeting and Event Planning. Her natural ability to connect with people led her to nonprofit fundraising, where she made a lasting impact through local chapters of Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), and the ALS Association.

As Heather explored new career avenues, she always came back to her roots in fundraising. In 2019, she founded Custom Fundraising Solutions (CFS) - Sacramento, helping local school programs—such as Bella Vista Wrestling—raise essential funds through Mattress Fundraiser Events.

Immersed in the world of meeting people desperate for a better night’s sleep, Heather discovered a true calling in helping people find more restful sleep. This newfound passion led to the opening of The Restful Roost – Your Better Sleep and Mattress Boutique in February 2023. Located in the heart of Fair Oaks, Heather’s store offers a welcoming and calming environment where she expertly guides customers through the often-daunting process of choosing the perfect mattress, pillow and more.

So, Why Run for Honorary Mayor?

Heather’s commitment to serving the Fair Oaks community runs in her blood, literally and figuratively, as it’s a legacy passed down from her parents, Jim and Diana Cralle—a beloved, community-oriented couple. Jim and Diana have been deeply involved in the Fair Oaks Rotary (both serving as Past-Presidents, and Diana currently Assisting on the District Level) and The Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce, with Jim also serving as its Past-President. Their dedication to Fair Oaks instilled in Heather a sense of pride and responsibility to give back.

Heather’s run for Honorary Mayor is about continuing that legacy—and having a little fun along the way!

But what really kicked off this campaign? Back in 2018, Jim Cralle and Keith Wright ran against each other in a friendly Honorary Mayor race that raised over $50,000, setting a fundraising record in the history of the event! Though both of their respective charities were winners, Keith ultimately claimed the title. Fast forward 7 years, and Keith’s son, Noah, is now running to follow in his father’s footsteps. So what better way to continue this tradition than with Cralle vs. Wright 2.0—second-generation style!