HOBOKEN – Ss. Peter and Paul will host a fund-raising event this Friday, Feb. 19, for the victims of the fire that raged through 505 and 507 Washington St. last weekend. A separate GoFundMe Page was also set up for Hoboken Police Officer Jalen Williams, who lost everything in the fire.
Nearly $5,000 to help the victims of the fire has been raised so far with a goal of $20,000, said Father Bob Meyer of Ss. Peter and Paul, who collaborated with Mayor Dawn Zimmer to the start the fundraiser.
The blaze, which firefighters had a tough time putting out due to the frigid temperatures, resulted in no deaths and only minor injuries to the firefighters. However, the six apartment units experienced substantial damage.
Thus far $12,300 has been collected to help Williams (with a goal of $15,000).
“Our brother in blue lost everything in a fire that destroyed a building in Hoboken on 2/13. Help us raise money for this young man who puts his life on the line every day to keep us safe,” an organizer wrote on the funding page.
Williams, a patrol officer, just graduated from the police academy in October, Hoboken Police Chief Kenneth Ferrante said.
Although an assessment is still being done, this morning Hoboken Fire Chief Anton Peskens told The Hoboken Reporter the damage to the six units looks to be a “total loss.”
The fundraiser event for the fire victims will be held Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Kolo Klub, at 1422 Grand St. Attendees are instructed to go through the Biergarten entrance on 15th Street between Grand and Adams Streets and then up to the second floor.
Proceeds from the entry fee, which is $25, will help the victims of the fire, which City Spokesman Juan Melli said numbers over a dozen individuals.
“Antipasti, light entrees and cookies [were] graciously donated by Liz and Anthony Pino, owner of Hoboken’s Anthony David, Bin 14 and upcoming restaurant Porter Collins,” said Max Colas, Director of Marketing, Communications & Managed Services for the church.
“We are discussing with musicians for live music and are looking into additional entertainment. Artists and professionals have spontaneously offered to help.”
For more details visit spphoboken.com/fire and RSVP either on Facebook or by email to matthew.bork@spphoboken.com.
To donate to Williams search “Rally for Jalen” at gofundme.com and to donate to the remaining fire victims visit www.spphoboken.com and search “Hoboken Fire Victims.” – Steven Rodas
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