Topic: NEAR-Fest XIII and the GE-MOTO Folks Raise $3,500.00 for ONE FUND BOSTON!!!

[W1RC]

The entire NEAR-Fest community was shocked, saddened then outraged at the cowardly bombings at the Boston Marathon finish line on Monday April 15th 2013.  Since there exists such a very close and long-standing relationship between the Boston Marathon and the amateur radio community in Eastern MA who provide 200 to 300 volunteers for the event every year we consider it completely appropriate to offer some assistance to the unfortunate folks who were  injured or otherwise adversely affected by this senseless act of terrorism against completely innocent people. 

In its own way it was another 9-11.  I looked at all the horrible bloody, mangled bodies in the photographs of that day that were released from numerous sources in an attempt to find ONE that was the most horrific and representative of the outrage.  I wanted to make it part of this article so that we may never forget what happened that day in Boston. 

I don't think any caption is necessary. 

In any event because we feel so profoundly about this event we decided to share some of our excess from NEAR-Fest XIII to the ONE FUND BOSTON set up by the Mayor of Boston and the Governor of MA to aid the victims whose only offence was being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  In addition to our donation we offered to match donations received up to $1,000.00.  Will, N1PXA, fabricated a great drop box from an old army ammo can which was placed on the GE - MOTO group table.

John, KB1FQG and George, W1LSB presiding at the GE-MOTO table showing the drop box fabricated by Will, N1PXA.  The group raised over $1,000.00. Photo W1GUD/4.

With our donation and matching funds we were able to raise over $3,500.00 for the ONE FUND BOSTON to benefit the victims of the Marathon Day bombings.

We thank John and the GE-MOTO gang along with everyone who donated for helping us help the bombing victims.  A check in the amount of $3,315.00* was mailed to the ONE FUND BOSTON on Friday May 10th 2013.

We are glad and proud that we could help.

73,

MrMike, W1RC

*several checks found in the drop bucket were forwarded to ONE FUND BOSTON along with NEAR-Fest's check.

[W1RC]

Two months after the outrageous bombings at the Boston Marathon finish line nearly $61 million dollars was raised to benefit the victims injured in the blast.  Here is an article from THE BOSTON GLOBE that details the distribution and how the amounts were determined.

http://forum.near-fest.com/mm/One_Fund_Boston_Article_6-29-2013.pdf

NEAR-Fest is proud to have been able to take part in contributing to this effort.  We wish the victims speedy recoveries and readjustment to their lives after the tragedy.

73,

MisterMike, W1RC

[W1RC]

I read in the paper this morning that some scumbag tried to scam the ONE FUND for 2.2 million dollars.  He claimed that his aunt (who has been dead for over ten years) was seriously injured in the blast and had both legs amputated.

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/07/02/south-end-man-charged-with-trying-steal-from-the-one-boston-fund-filing-for-benefits-for-aunt-who-died-years/SfuahzWytfM5sG4GY9o7ZP/story.html

http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/blog/2013/07/02/one-fund-fraud-claim-branden-mattier/

Good job catching him.  There is a great deal of outrage and I am pretty sure he'll do time.

73,

MrMike

Suspect pleads not guilty at arraignment:  http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/07/03/alleged-one-fund-boston-scammer-arraigned-pledas-not-gullty-and-held-cash-bail/C9JIkoXyNDp91s4EJhsysL/story.html