EASTON, Pa. – Inside the Bank Street Annex in Easton, music fills the air supporting the victims of last month’s Hotel Hampton fire one beat at a time.
“The community is devastated by the fire that happened at the Hampton Hotel,” said Ken Greene of Lehigh Valley-based band GruviTune.
Greene helped organize this benefit concert.
“This one obviously just happened and we said let’s see if we can jump in and do this,” said Greene.
The money goes toward the United Way’s Easton Fire Fund which has already raised more than $35,000.
Mark Nutting has called the Easton community home for 11 years.
“It’s a fabulous community. People care so much about other people and you know, that’s really what makes this community so inviting to so many people,” said Nutting.
“We come together and we help the people that need it the most,” said Easton Councilman Frank Pintabone.
Pintabone said 67 people were displaced by the fire, many of whom have already found housing.
“Everybody has a home, so we have 16 more we’re working on. Programs like this and fundraisers are going to help find homes for them,” said Pintabone.
State Representative Bob Freeman said it is a city with a strong sense of community.
“When a tragedy happens like it did with the fire, we come out, we support the victims of the fire, we help to make it better,” said Representative Freeman.
This fundraiser is no exception.
“A number of people have been doing fundraisers and some for the small businesses who’ve been effected, some for the residents, some for the firefighters. So, I think people have just taken a holistic view and leaned in where they could and this is a place where we could lean in,” said Greene.