The fund at INB, "Benefit for Businesses Affected by Adams Family Fire," was created the day after the June 19 fire. Donations have been collected via the INB branches, an online portal set up by Downtown Springfield, Inc. and community events such as a June 30 fundraiser held at the Brinkerhoff Home.
Businesses and full-time residents displaced by the fire were asked to submit applications requesting assistance by July 10. A volunteer committee will review applications and authorize payments in various amounts by July 15. The committee will not publicly share amounts ultimately provided to applicants.
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The building at 413-415 E. Adams St. and several adjacent properties suffered extensive damage during a June 19 fire.
Committee members are Rachael Thomson, founder of the Kidzeum of Health & Science; Melissa Hansen Schmadeke, former executive director of Memorial Foundation; Lisa Clemmons Stott, former executive director of DSI; Brett Jackson, assistant vice president at BOS and DSI board member; and Jay Shanle, corporate administrator at Conn’s Hospitality and DSI board member. DSI executive director Carlos Ortega is serving as an ex officio member.
Eligible applicants must rent or own property within the square block affected by the fire, from the corner of Fourth and Adams streets, to Fourth and Washington streets, to Fifth and Washington streets, to Fifth and Adams streets. Applicants do not need to be members of DSI to apply for and receive relief funds.
A second round of relief funds is expected to be awarded in early August. One hundred percent of the funds collected will be provided to the affected people and businesses.
Community members may still provide donations to the INB Benefit for Businesses Affected by Adams Family Fire Fund by visiting an INB branch or by making an online contribution at https://www.gofundme.com/f/online-inb-collection-foradams-street-fire.
