Watertown Students Raise Big Bucks for One Fund

What started as an idea among a group of girls at Watertown High School turned into a huge fund raiser that brought in $10,000 to help victims of the Boston Marathon Bombings.

Shortly after the bombings and the capture of the bombing suspects in Watertown, a group of WHS students decided they wanted to do something to help.

"We were sitting in class and we wanted to do something, so we put it on Facebook and it blew up," said junior Gabriella Coppola.

Around 2,000 fans liked the idea on Facebook so they decided to put on a day of fun, food and fund raising at Victory Field on May 5. Approximately 1,000 people showed up, mostly from Watertown, but also from other communities.

"There is a picture from the bleachers at Vic (Victory Field) and there are so many people there," said junior Shannon Cafua.

People bought wrist bands for $3 which allowed them to participate in the games, and tickets were sold for $1 for food and for raffles.

They hoped to raise a few thousand dollars, but when all the money came in they had raised $10,000.

"A lot of people just donated money," said junior Hayley Smith.

Wednesday, Ken Feinberg, administrator of the One Fund, came to Town Hall to collect the check. He has seen efforts around the state, from bake sales to events like the one at Victory Field.

"It's an amazing thing to watch the money pour into One Fund," Feinberg said. "What's been so helpful is guys like you who say it's the right thing to do," Feinberg said. 

The money will be used to help victims of the bombings, families of those killed and other impacted by the bombings, he said. 

"Claims are coming in," Feinberg said. "We've received 120 claims from families who lost loved ones, double amputees, single amputees and others injured in the bombing."

Many businesses in and arond Watertown donated to the fund-raising event: The Talk, Donohue's, Graphic Connections, Watertown Savings Bank, Watertown Sportswear, Halfway Cafe, Frito Lay, AA Rental, Boys and Girls Club, Costco, BJ's, Attractive Nail, John's Tailoring, Pini's, Dominos, The Diner at 11 North Beacon, Shaws, Roksana, The Traveling Vineyard, Papa Gino's, Celebrities, Salon Sabrina, Joe's Variety, Fit Z's, the Watertown Police Department and the Watertown Fire Department.