Residents, businesses and an art/history endeavor affected by the June fire at 613 E Adams in downtown Springfield have received checks from the INB Benefit for the Businesses Affected by the Adams Family Fire fund.
Through this fund, the community raised nearly $30,000 to support those people and entities impacted by the fire. Donations came from many places, including downtown photography studio owner Kari Bedford donating funds from a headshot campaign; Central Baptist Church raising nearly $750 from the patrons at Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series concerts; Wild Rose Artisans Gallery & Boutique hosting a special fundraiser; and SIU School of Medicine team members donating more than $6,700 from casual Fridays. A five-person volunteer committee read through applications to distribute the funds. All applicants received a stipend.
“Downtown appreciates the generous donors and the volunteer committee who provided financial relief and INB for setting up this fund so quickly,” said Carlos Ortega, DSI executive director. “The ripple effects from the fire are real, and now more than ever, we need to come together to support our downtown businesses. At DSI, we're committed to fostering positive change and building a strong foundation for our community's growth.”
Nine businesses, 13 residents, and two nonprofits directly affected by the fire applied for and received funding. Eligible entities were located within the square block affected by the fire, from the corner of 4th and Adams, to 4th and Washington, to 5th and Washington, to 5th and Adams.
More than $15,000 was awarded in the first round of distributions a month after the fire, a second round of funding was awarded in August and the final checks were issued in October.
The entities that were given monetary support of various amounts in the final round include:
● Cafe Moxo
● Vegas Line Properties
● The Wakery
● The Elf Shelf Books & Music
● Shields Accounting Services LLC
● Robert Mazrim, curator of the Pillsburied Project
In addition to the cash contributions, school supplies valued at $2,000 were collected at Conn’s Hospitality Group locations and Kidzeum in July to replenish those the nonprofit Diamond in the Rough Outreach had lost from water and smoke damage. The newly collected supplies were distributed to Compass for Kids and St. Patrick's Catholic School.
The fund at INB, entitled Benefit for Businesses Affected by Adams Family Fire, was set up the morning after the fire as property owners, businesses and residents assessed the immediate aftermath. One hundred percent of the funds collected through the INB Fund were distributed to the affected people and businesses.
Those interested in making future donations for the health of downtown Springfield may contribute to Downtown Springfield Inc. or Downtown Springfield Heritage Foundation.
