Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Menino today announced the formation of The One Fund Boston to raise money to help those families most affected by the tragic events that unfolded during yesterday’s Boston Marathon.
“I am humbled by the outpouring of support by the business community and individuals who are united in their desire to help; The One Fund Boston will act as a central fund to receive much needed financial support,” Patrick said. “At moments like this, we are one state, one city and one people.”
According to Menino, support from the business community was immediate. “Within an hour, I had calls from business leaders and local philanthropists who, like me, were heartbroken by the impact this hideous tragedy has had on individuals, their families and friends. And they want to do everything they can to help these people physically and psychologically in the future.”
The cornerstone donation to The One Fund Boston is a $1 million commitment from John Hancock. “John Hancock is honored to contribute to The One Fund Boston, aiding those who were affected by this terrible event,” said President Craig Bromley. “The Boston Marathon is about courage and resilience and community. John Hancock, which has been headquartered in Boston for more than 150 years, will continue to stand by our city, the people of Boston, our community partners, the runners, and the Boston Athletic Association as we unite in recovery and in renewal of our commitment to the Boston Marathon.”
Other individuals and corporations making commitments to The One Fund Boston include Jack Connors; John Fish, CEO of Suffolk Construction; Brian Moynihan, president and CEO of Bank of America; Paul Grogan, president of The Boston Foundation; Steve Pagliuca, managing director of Bain Capital and co-owner of the Boston Celtics; Larry Lucchino, CEO of the Boston Red Sox; and Mike Sheehan, CEO, and Karen Kaplan, president of Hill Holliday.
Boston law firm Goodwin Procter has volunteered to organize The One Fund Boston and has applied for 501(c)(3) status.
“We are one Boston. We are one community. As always, we will come together to help those most in need. And in the end, we will all be better for it,” Menino said. To contribute to The One Fund Boston, go to onefundboston.org.
Greater Boston restaurants and retailers are also stepping up to the plate to support victims of yesterday’s Boston Marathon bombings.
A growing list of restaurants — now numbering 21 — will donate from 10 percent to 25 percent of tomorrow evening’s sales to the Greg Hill Foundation.
“All of the donations will go directly to the families,” Greg Hill, a WAAF (97.7/107.3 FM) radio morning host who started the foundation in 2010 to respond to the immediate needs of families touched by tragedy, said in a statement. “There is no red tape, and we can give the donations out immediately.”
Boston restaurants participating include Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, Cafeteria, Bella Luna, the Milky Way Lounge, Piattini Wine Cafe, and Salvatore’s Restaurants in the Seaport and Theatre districts.
Also participating are Grafton Street, Bondir, Harvest, Ole Mexican Grill, PARK Restaurant Bar, Russell House Tavern and Temple Bar in Cambridge, 62 Restaurant Wine Bar in Salem, Blue on Highland in Needham, China Blossom in North Andover, Ristorante Olivio and Tryst in Arlington, Salvatore’s Restaurant in Medford and Tuscan Kitchen in Salem, N.H.
Meanwhile, Boston men’s clothing retailer Ball and Buck will donate 10 percent of next Monday’s sales from its Newbury Street and online stores to aid the local chapter of the American Red Cross.
“As a brick and mortar retailer located just around the corner from the first blast, it was important for us to do whatever we could to help those affected by this senseless act,” founder Mark Bollman said in a statement.
Bollman is encouraging other companies to aid the newly created Pats’ Day Fund and display printed flyers in their stores or logo on their website. Further information is available at www.patsdayfund.org.
“The Pats’ Day Fund was created to help other businesses like Ball and Buck make a meaningful contribution to those affected by this tragedy,” Bollman said.
Donna Goodison contributed to this report.