The Robert Fulton Parents-Teachers Association organized a spaghetti dinner last Saturday in the school basement in order to raise funds for the displaced families of the Broadway fire that occurred last month.
Three buildings were damaged in the Jan. 11 blaze along Broadway near 74th street. The buildings housed both apartments and storefronts. Officials said last month that the fire displaced 12 families, although no one in the incident received serious injuries.
The humble event drew roughly 350 residents and town officials, according to Lee Perez, president of the PTA and an organizer of the event. Attendees included Mayor Nicholas Sacco, Commissioner Hugo Cabrera, and Police Chief William Galvin.
“It just tells you what North Bergen is all about.” – Principal Noreen Garcia
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Besides the $5 entry fee, raffle tickets also sold for $5, and entry to inflatable attractions cost $1.
The event raised roughly $4,000, and an additional $700 came in from t-shirt sales, according to Perez. The proceeds were given directly to the displaced families.
Taking action
Robert Fulton Principal Noreen Garcia, Vice Principal Czar Wiley, and several teachers also helped the PTA organize the event.
“Broadway is only a block away from school,” said Garcia, “and one of our students here was affected – she and her family were displaced.”
Garcia said that although the school had already accepted donations for clothing items and toiletries, it wasn’t enough.
“We turned it into a kind of family fun day,” Garcia said. “It was very successful, and the great thing about it was just the community coming together.”
“I’m very proud of the Fulton School PTO and the entire school community for rallying around the fire victims and contributing to the outpouring of support that has been seen all throughout North Bergen,” said Sacco. “Both the community itself and the local merchants who provided the food and refreshments that made the night possible left me feeling very proud of all we have done to help these families cope with this tragedy.”
An overwhelming response
Perez said that approximately eight displaced families from the fire were in attendance at the event. She also said that the fund-raising effort wasn’t the only positive aspect of the dinner.
“It brought the community together,” said Perez. “Neighbors came that hadn’t seen each other in years got to sit down and talk. People that hadn’t met their neighbors also were able to meet them that day.”
“It was really nice to see the families come in,” said Garcia. “They brought their children, their parents, their grandparents – everybody.”
Perez and Garcia also said that they were surprised with how many people were willing to donate and attend the event.
“I really was surprised,” said Perez. “Everybody came. From bringing items to helping clean up, everybody pitched in.”
Stephen LaMarca may be reached at slamarca@hudsonreporter.com.