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JA Disaster Relief Fund Will Aid Chicago Fire Victims
The fund was created last year to assist jewelers affected by natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey and Irma.
New York--Jewelers of America has announced that its Disaster Relief Fund will now aid jewelers affected by the recent Jewelers Row fire in Chicago.
Jewelers of America, the Diamond Council of America and National Jeweler created the Disaster Relief Fund last year to assist jewelers affected by Hurricane Harvey.
After Hurricane Irma struck the southeastern United States and wildfires began to ravage parts of the West, the founding organizations decided to make the fund permanent to assist with any crises affecting members of the jewelry industry.
The industry donated a total of $29,680, which was recently dispersed, a JA representative said. After GoFundMe fees were paid, 19 jewelers in need received $1,442.85 each.
Now, donations are being accepted via the Disaster Relief Fund to help jewelers affected by the fire in Chicago last month.
According to news reports, the extra-alarm fire started a little before 2 a.m. on April 25 at the Mallers Building at 5 South Wabash Ave. in Jewelers Row, which is home to jewelry manufacturers, diamond dealers and jewelry repair shops.
The building houses more than 100 jewelry businesses.
The Chicago Fire Department rescued two men from the building who were working late. Additionally, two firemen were treated at a local hospital with minor injuries.
Jewelers affected by the fire who require financial assistance can fill out an online form.
Those who would like to make donations to benefit those in need after the fire can visit the Disaster Relief Fund’s GoFundMe page.
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