Hub business leaders have joined Gov. Deval Patrick and Mayor Thomas M. Menino to announce the formation of The One Fund Boston, a mega-fund for bombing victims’ families kicked off by a $1 million commitment from principal Marathon sponsor 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.
Other individuals and corporations making commitments to The One Fund Boston include Hill Holliday co-founder 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 of Hill Holliday, and Karen Kaplan, president of Hill Holliday.
Boston law firm Goodwin Procter has volunteered to organize the fund and donations can be made at onefundboston.org.
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.”
Greater Boston restaurants and retailers are also stepping up to the plate to support victims of the Marathon bombings. A growing list of restaurants will donate from 10 percent to 25 percent of tonight’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.
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.
Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Paul Guzzi said the attack will not be a “permanent scar” on the city. “The spirit of this community is very strong,” he added.
“There is clearly a sense of trying to get back to normal,” Pat Moscaritolo, CEO of the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, said yesterday. “Twenty-four hours ago was just so horrific. We were filled with anger and shock. But it seems the city really has come together.”
Marie Szaniszlo and Ira Kantor contributed to this report.