147 Conselyea Street Kasandra Cisneros

Neighbors Banding Together to Help Fire Victims

On Friday, June 1st, a fire at 147 Conselyea Street killed one resident, Ellen Luckey, and destroyed the homes and most of the possessions of its remaining residents. Almost immediately, support came in from throughout the North Brooklyn community and, thanks to the generosity of neighbors, will continue until the survivors can get resettled.

One of the fire’s victims, Marty Freda, works at Tony’s Pizzeria (335 Graham Avenue). As soon as owner Phil Fontana found about the disaster, he put out collection jars and actively sought contributions for all the victims. He said that people have been coming in regularly to drop off clothes, supplies and even sports equipment for victim Jonathan Mea, who turned 12 just two days after the fire. Mea’s father Conrad has been widely praised for leading his neighbors out of the burning building Friday.

While Fontana appreciates any generosity from the community, he said that money and gift cards are most helpful. To donate through Tony’s, visit the store, or call them at (718) 384-8669.

Robert Sarluca is a lifelong friend of the Freda family. When he heard about the fire, he immediately posted a facebook page to help raise money for the Freda and Mea families to find new housing (the public is invited to use the page to fundraise for any of the victims). Sarluca’s goal is to raise $10,000 to help relocate the Fredas and Meas. The address for the facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/groups/321873651220001/. Contributions may be made to a PayPal address, fredafoundation@live.com.

PS 132 (320 Manhattan Avenue), the alma mater of two of the 147 Conselyea residents, will be holding a bake sale, from 9AM – 2:30PM, on Friday, June 8th to raise money for the families. To take part or to contribute through PS 132, please contact Parent Coordinator Yvonne Garguilo at 718-599-7301 or ygarguilo@schools.nyc.gov.

On June 16th, two neighborhood institutions will team up to host a benefit on behalf of 147 Conselyea. From 6PM to 11PM, Grandma Roses (457 Graham Avenue) will host a backyard barbecue followed by an after party at R Bar (451 Meeker Avenue). For a nominal contribution at the door, attendees will eat free, courtesy of Grandma Roses’ owner John Ricco, who will donate the food for the event.

Ricco and R Bar owner Greg Abelians grew up with Conrad Mea and jumped at the chance to help their old friend, as well as the other residents of the building. Their fundraiser will include 50/50 drawings and raffle prizes from local businesses. In addition, Abelians plans to donate a significant percentage of the night’s take directly to the victims. He is currently in the process of seeking beer sponsors and both business owners are actively pursuing raffle sponsors. To make a contribution to the event, please call Grandma Roses at (718) 389-1908 or R Bar at (718) 486-6116.

Share