Support Harlem
In the wake of the East Harlem explosion, it can be difficult to see the good that remains. Yet the truest strength of Harlem is its community — neighbors, businesses, and organizations coming together to care for those who have been affected. To support families and individuals impacted by the March 12, 2014 explosion at 116th Street and Park Avenue, chef Marcus Samuelsson and Red Rooster Harlem are hosting a fundraiser on the evening of April 2. This benefit is intended to raise funds that will go directly to relief efforts and to give the neighborhood a chance to gather, heal, and celebrate the resilience of East Harlem.
The April 2 event is designed as a celebration of community spirit in Harlem. All proceeds from the evening will be directed to the East Harlem Fund established by the American Red Cross Greater New York Region. That fund is specifically earmarked to help affected families with immediate needs — such as food, clothing, shelter and other daily necessities — and to provide resources that support short-term recovery and stability. By concentrating resources in this fund, organizers and relief partners aim to ensure aid reaches those who need it most as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The American Red Cross Greater New York has mobilized resources to respond to the East Harlem incident and continues to provide emergency relief, temporary assistance, and support services to displaced residents. As one of the largest Red Cross chapters in the United States, the Greater New York Region plays a crucial role in coordinating local disaster response and recovery efforts. Supporting their East Harlem Fund helps sustain the logistical and practical work that enables families to recover and rebuild after traumatic events.
If you are unable to attend the benefit at Red Rooster, you can still make a meaningful contribution. Financial donations give relief organizations the flexibility to address the most urgent needs as they arise. Even modest gifts add up and can pay for essential items, temporary housing, transportation, and other forms of direct assistance for affected households. Community support — whether through monetary donations, offering volunteer time, or spreading word of relief options — is vital to a full recovery.
How your donation helps
Contributions to the East Harlem Fund will be used for practical, immediate purposes: providing food and clothing, covering temporary housing and relocation expenses, purchasing necessities for families who have lost belongings, and funding support services that help residents access long-term assistance. Directing proceeds through a centralized relief fund reduces duplication and improves coordination among relief agencies, making each dollar more effective.
Checks can be made out to:
“American Red Cross Greater New York” with the notation “East Harlem Collapse Relief”
Send donations to:
American Red Cross GNY
ATTN: Jennifer Rutten
520 West 49th Street
New York, NY 10019
Please make checks payable exactly as indicated and include the mention of “East Harlem Collapse Relief” so your gift is applied to the intended fund. If you plan to mail a donation, consider sending it with delivery confirmation or tracking so you can verify receipt. Local organizations coordinating the benefit and the Red Cross welcome every contribution and will work to ensure donations are put to immediate and practical use.
The recovery process after an event like the East Harlem explosion takes time, and ongoing support matters. Attending the April 2 benefit, donating to the East Harlem Fund, or sharing information about available relief are all meaningful ways to help neighbors in need. Harlem is strongest when it shows up for its own — your participation, in whatever form you can offer, makes a difference.