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| Feinstein Offers to Bolster Fire Fund February 22, 2007 By Talia Buford, Journal Staff Writer WEST WARWICK – Philanthropist Alan Shawn Feinstein will match all donations made to the Station Family Fund within the next 30 days, up to $100,000, he announced yesterday. The fund was established months after the fire ripped through The Station nightclub in February 2003, with the goal of helping the families of the 100 people who died there adjust to life without their loved ones. Through the fund, fire survivors and family members of victims could also receive assistance paying utility or medical bills, buying groceries or paying for funeral costs. But in recent years, fundraising has declined, leaving the fund with only about $3,000, and support seems to be waning. Feinstein said he was moved to start the campaign after reading of the fund’s hardships in The Journal on Tuesday, the fourth anniversary of the fire. “My aim is just to get more money available to families impacted by that catastrophe,” said Feinstein. “To see the fund dwindle to $3,000 when there are good people that are still interested in manning the board and helping families that need continuing aid; I’m all for seeing that continue.” Jonathan Bell, chairman of the Station Family Fund, was surprised to hear about the campaign, but said the fundraiser will help get the fund back to where it needs to be. “I think it’s going to be very successful,” Bell said. “I’m sure Rhode Islanders will open their hearts and their pocketbooks and be the spearhead for us into the future.” Feinstein underwrites a number of philanthropic efforts. He made his fortune writing investment newsletters and selling mail-order collectibles. The last $100,000 challenge grant Feinstein launched in December raised a total of $6.1 million for 99 nonprofit organizations across the state, he said yesterday. This was the program's 11th year. Donations can be made payable to The Station Family Fund and sent to the Alan Shawn Feinstein Foundation, 37 Alhambra Circle, Cranston, RI 02905. The campaign will run through March 23. tbuford@projo.com |
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