The One Fund Boston was set up by Mayor Tom Menino and Gov. Deval Patrick to help those affected by the Marathon bombings. Credit: www.onefundboston.org
The One Fund Boston, established to help the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings, has already raised more than $21 million.
More than $6 million has come from over 50,000 individual donations, according to The One Fund website. Corporations have pledged the rest, including John Hancock, AT&T, Bain Capital, Partners HealthCare, New Balance and Liberty Mutual each donating $1 million, officials said.
Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick established the fund the day after the April 15 bombings, which killed three people and injured more than 250.
Patrick told the Boston Globe that donations from around the world started coming in immediately.
“There was such an outpouring of concern and generosity for people who were hurt by the bombing. … It was clear from the start that we needed to be able to direct that energy,” Patrick said. “In a week, a tremendous amount of money has been raised.”
Menino and Patrick appointed Kenneth Feinberg to administer the fund. Feinberg also managed funds for the victims of the 9/11 attacks, Virginia Tech shootings and Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
“It’s not a lot of money when you look at the nature of injuries, the number of injuries, how you’re going to divide this money,” Feinberg said at a press conference Tuesday. “It is a wonderful outpouring, but it won’t make people whole.”
Victims will be able to apply for benefits starting May 15, with all applications due by June 15. People can preregister on the One Fund website or by calling 855-617-FUND, starting at noon Wednesday.
“One hundred percent of funds allocated to One Fund Boston will be distributed by the Fourth of July to every eligible claimant,” Feinberg said.
The One Fund is still accepting donations.
AT&T was letting customers give by texting BOSTON to 80108. A $10 donation would be added to the user’s monthly phone bill.
Several companies are matching charitable gifts made by their employees.
Donations could also be sent by mail to:
One Fund Boston, Inc.
800 Boylston St. #990009
Boston, MA 02199
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