- The Downtown Alliance's Main Street Fire Employee Assistance Fund raised $494,000 for 160 displaced workers.
- Funds were distributed quickly, with first checks issued eight days after the fire.
- London Belle's future remains uncertain pending insurance discussions set for Sept. 24.
SALT LAKE CITY — Nearly a month after fires closed four of Salt Lake's most popular bars and restaurants, the Downtown Alliance's Main Street Fire Employee Assistance Fund raised $494,000 for the 160 employees who lost their jobs.
The final checks went out on Thursday, with every dollar going directly to employees.
"That has been very helpful for them," London Belle co-owner Kait Paulraj said, "as a lot of them are using it to help pay for the rent, food and gas to get to jobs and interviews."
More than 1,600 people contributed to the fund.
"We were surprised at the speed but not surprised at the generosity," Downtown Alliance Executive Director Dee Brewer said.
Brewer said the first checks were distributed just eight days after the fire on Aug. 19.
"I was really heartened to see the community that showed up, or the community they provided for each other," Brewer said. "For many of them, they were seeing each other for the first time since they were working together the week before."
"The amount of love is just very, very overwhelming and very much appreciated during this crazy, challenging time," Paulraj said.
Although their employees are receiving assistance, owners said the future of London Belle is still unknown. They are waiting for the insurance company to find out if it can be rebuilt.
"It's been a little bit trying for us, just waiting for that, because there's not a finite timeline," London Belle co-owner Frank Paulraj said.
He said their preliminary meeting with the insurance company is set for Sept. 24.
"When you do have the responsibility of, you know, 35 to 40 employees, it does make it a little bit more imperative and a little bit more pressing, but we have faith," he said.
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Salt Lake City ponders $1M loans, more aid for Main Street businesses lost in fire
Salt Lake City might not be done looking at ways to help rebuild the businesses lost in last month's Main Street fire.They hope to return stronger and give back to the city that's rallied behind them.
"We look forward to paying it forward, giving back to the community and getting back to what we do best — serving drinks and providing great food," he said.
The path is long, but they aren't short of support.
"Their needs are vast, but right now, they're just trying to clean up and start the reconstruction process, and we want to support them in that very difficult effort," Brewer said.
