A non-profit that was launched to help businesses in the Mile Square City cope with the financial impact of coronavirus is having their third digital fundraiser later this week and a band with strong local roots will be headlining the festivities.
Hoboken was one of the first cities in New Jersey to enact strict COVID-19 restrictions amid the worst of the pandemic and a certified 501(c)(3) organization has been lending a hand to independently owned businesses as the city’s economy restarts. The Hoboken Relief Fund held their first virtual concert in May and a second event, a virtual dance party, took place earlier this month.
The fund is co-chaired by two members of the Hoboken City Council, Phil Cohen and Jennifer Giattino. A diverse group representing the community serving on the fund’s board includes developers like Joe Barry, clergy from several churches and synagogues, members of the Hoboken Business Alliance and the Rotary Club, and Irene Perello of Hudson Place Realty.
Approximately $325,000 has been secured so far via donations and the fund is hoping their upcoming music festival adds to that haul. Performers slated for the event, which can be viewed here on the city’s Facebook page, include Jim Babjak of The Smithereens, songwriter Marshall Crenshow, Broadway star N’Kenge (currently of Motown The Musical), and local favorite Yo La Tengo to close out the show.
The Hoboken Relief Fund has thus far received over 130 corporate and individual relief applications, which they hope to start awarding to grantees through June 26. Funds should start getting disbursed around July 10 and based on future fundraising totals, the fund will consider a second round of grantees. Those interested can still apply through the fund’s website.
The music festival has an event page on Facebook and is slated to begin on June 25 at 7 p.m. The fund is accepting tax-deductible donations through PayPal and has been promoting various businesses that have been re-opening in Hoboken on their Instagram handle @hobokenrelieffund.
