By Eric Tucker
The Associated Press Writer
PROVIDENCE, R.I.
The owners of a nightclub where a fire killed 100 people are starting a fund to help pay education costs for the more than 75 children who lost a parent in the blaze, a partner in the fund said Friday.
The fund is being directed by Jeffrey and Michael Derderian, their childhood friend Jody King and the three men’s wives, King said. It likely would cover expenses such as tutoring, proms, athletic equipment and scholarships for students up to 12th grade, and the fund organizers are also encouraging local colleges and universities to offer scholarships, King said.
King declined to provide more information, such as how much money they planned to raise. He said a public announcement would be made later this month.
King’s brother was a bouncer at The Station who died in the 2003 fire, which began when a band’s pyrotechnics ignited soundproofing foam the Derderians had installed around the stage. The brothers pleaded no contest last year to involuntary manslaughter charges, and Jeff Derderian said at his sentencing that he thought often of the children who lost their parents.
Michael Derderian is serving a four-year prison sentence. Jeff Derderian received probation and 500 hours of community service, which he is fulfilling with a national burn survivors’ group and a local fire and rescue company.
Steven Beardsworth, who took in his late cousin’s son, Justin DeMaio, after the fire, said he learned of the fund through a letter he received recently from the Derderians.
“I think it’s great,” he said. “I think they’re doing what they can to help.”
But Tony Durante, who lost his wife, Lori, in the fire and has two teenage sons, said he did not think there was anything the Derderians could do to make amends.
“If they’re associated with it in any way, shape or form, I wouldn’t take a nickel from them,” Durante said.