Warwick, RI -Officials, residents and businesses have organized several fundraisers for the 100 people left homeless since fire destroyed the Westgate Condominium complex at 754 Quaker Lane, and you can help, too.
Donate through GoFundMe
The day of the fire,Victoria DeSimone launched a GoFundMe campaign to help Westgate residents David Genest Jr. and Courtney Lemay, who are expecting the birth of their first child in June.
One day later, the website had collected $2,925 of the $10,000 goal. By Tuesday night, the tally stood at $4,910.
Texas Roadhouse donation drive, dining fundraiser
On Monday, Texas Roadhouse began a charity drive for clothing and furniture to help the families, running through Friday, March 20.
“We are asking for your help with Clothes, Kitchen wear, Baby Clothes, Pet Supplies, and any other non-perishable items,” an announcement for the drive states. The items can be dropped off at the restaurant at 1200 Quaker Lane.
On Thursday, the restaurant is donating 10 percent of food sales to help the families recover from the loss of their homes.
Thayer Arena skating fundraiser
On Tuesday, Mayor Scott Avedisian announced a public skating session will take place at Thayer Arena,975 Sandy Lane, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 22. The proceeds from this event will benefit Westgate condominium residents. Donations of $3 per person will be collected at the entrance or donations of any amount will be accepted.
“We must continue to do all that we can to ensure that our residents who have been impacted by the fire have the resources they need. We are fortunate to have such a caring and giving community. Our residents are known for lending a helping hand to others. This public skating session will enable us to come together for a meaningful cause,” Avedisian said.
Kent County YMCA offers assistance
“Please let us know if we can offer any assistance- even if it is just a place to come and rest for a bit. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all,” wrote the Kent County YMCA on facebook.
The organization is located at 900 Centerville Road, (401) 828-0130.
In addition, the following organizations, agencies and businesses are providing resources to families affected by the fire:
American Red Cross, Elizabeth McDonald, (401) 831-7705, ext. 105
American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary, Margaret Walsh (401) 726-2126
City of Warwick Department of Human Services, Patti St. Amant, (401) 468-4108
Micozzi Management Inc., J. Aaron Broccoli, (401) 946-3010
United Way, 2-1-1
Donations and gift cards may be sent to: Westbay Community Action, 224 Buttonwood Avenue, Warwick, Rhode Island 02886. Checks should be made payable to West Bay CAP-Westgate Fire Fund.
Author: Rob Borkowski
Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.
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