Benefit tonight to aid victims of downtown fire

July 20--NEWBURYPORT -- City officials, business leaders, restaurant owners and residents with generous hearts are gearing up for a fundraising event tonight to assist victims of a recent fire on Liberty Street.

The blaze forced three retail businesses and a law office to close. Among them was Abraham's Bagels, a landmark eatery that has been a staple on Liberty Street for decades.

The fundraiser, planned for 5 to 9 p.m., is designed to enable the community to help the owners of the enterprises pay employees and plan future commerce. It will encompass much of the downtown -- it will be primarily held at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, but people will be encouraged to also shop and dine at a variety of downtown venues that will donate a portion of their proceeds to the cause. (The participating businesses are listed at the end of this article.)

The fire, reported around 4 a.m. on June 28, fully engulfed the bagel shop and an upstairs law office. The bagel shop was destroyed, and owner Linda Garcia plans to rebuild. The law office Liberty Law has temporarily moved to Water Street and plans to move back to its Liberty Street address once the building is rehabilitated. The building renovation is expected to be complete within six to eight months.

Two other businesses suffered smoke damage and were forced to temporarily shut down. Buttermilk Baking Co. has reopened and is seeing a steady stream of customers, while Haul Over apparel is restocking and plans to reopen soon.

The state fire marshal's office determined the cause of the fire to be smoking materials improperly disposed of in mulch; however, insurance investigators are pursuing other possible causes of the fire.

Ginny Eramo, a local business leader and owner of Interlocks Salon and Spa, said, "To see your business literally go down in flames is every owner's worst nightmare.

"Insurance will help, but it won't be enough, so I'm compelled to lend my support to help Abraham's and others to overcome this setback."

The benefit, dubbed Fired Up Newburyport, will offer the music of local bands in an "open house" format. Four bands will play at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, but visitors are encouraged to listen and then move on to local restaurants and shops that have committed to donate part of their proceeds to the cause.

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The band lineup is as follows: Lux, 5 p.m.; Henry Welch Band, 6 p.m.; Cuppa Joe, 7 p.m.; and Liz Frame and the Kickers, 8 p.m.

Suggested donation is $25, and the funds will be administered by The Provident Bank.

Organizers said that a small board will determine how and to whom the money will be dispensed.

Laurie Contrino, a manager at the Firehouse, said, "The Firehouse is honored to open its doors to the community as together we join efforts to rally around the downtown businesses affected by the fire in our precious downtown.

"Newburyport is truly a special place, where business owners and residents do not hesitate to rush to the aid of those in a time of crisis and need."

Donations can be sent to Fired Up Newburyport, The Provident Bank, 65 Storey Ave., Newburyport, MA 01950.

Mayor Donna Holaday said, "The fire that destroyed Abraham's and impacted all the businesses on the East Row was devastating to the owners and their employees.

"I encourage all to come out and listen to music, visit shops and enjoy great food to show your support and help those impacted by the fire."

Organizers say that restaurants and retailers agreeing to direct a portion of sales (about 5 percent) to the fundraiser that night include the following: Agave, Angie's Restaurant, Brass Lyon, Brine, Ceia, Fowle's Market, Giuseppe's Italian Restaurant, Glenn's Restaurant, the Grog, Interlocks Salon and Spa, Joppa Fine Foods, Loretta, Metzy's, Michael's Harborside, Mission Oak, Oregano Ristorante and Pizzeria, Port Plum/Newburyport Olive Oil, Port Tavern, Orange Leaf, Otto Pizza, Starboard Galley, The Poynt and Thirsty Whale.

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