Story posted Thursday, June 11, 2009
Merchants, Residents Do What They Can
By DWIGHT ESAU Journal & Topics Reporter
When the downtown merchants in Arlington Hts. learned of the June 2 fire that killed three members of the Kevin Finnerty family, they quickly decided the best way they could help was financial.
So at least eight of them conducted a fund-raising sale on June 5 in support of the two surviving Finnerty children – Bridget, 12, and Pierce, 6.
The result was "several thousand dollars" donated to the Finnerty children fund at Village Bank and Trust, 311 S. Arlington Hts. Road.
"The out-pouring of support by the community that night was incredible," said Mark Rouse, owner of Runners High 'N Tri. "We deposited $1,600 this week from our proceeds, and many other businesses that participated said it was a very successful sale."
Similar information came from Amy Philpott, owner of Tuscan Market Wine Shop and Bar. "We especially wanted to participate in this because Kevin displayed some of his paintings in our establishment and we had gotten to know him a little bit," she said. "We deposited $2,200 to the fund through donations and a special raffle we held. And Tuscan Market corporate has promised to write a check for $1,000 to the fund. I don't know what the total donation from all of us was, but it probably was several thousand dollars."
A spokesperson for Ciao Bella Women's Shoes declined to provide an exact donation amount, but said, "We deposited a check and we believe all of us together made a significant contribution to the family. We were happy to be a part of this village-wide effort." Other businesses participating in the sale included Bentley's Corner Barkery, Campbell Street Bicycle, Flaherty Jewelers, Urban Harvest, and Vignette's.
Both Philpott and Rouse said many residents came downtown Friday not just to shop or seek entertainment, but also to participate in thefund-raising.
Donations are also being accepted at South Middle School, 400 S. Highland Ave. Checks should be made payable to "South Middle School." Checks to the bank should be made payable to "Jennifer Murphy, guardian of the Finnerty children."
Speak Out!
Comments are edited first by Journal staff before running in print and appearing online.