Residents have contributed some $7,500, to date, to a Residents Association (RIRA) effort to bring financial relief to Island families suffering loss of family members in the September 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Another $1,000 is pledged, as well.

On Wednesday night at the RIRA Common Council meeting, the Korean community presented a check for over $1,000, and RISA contributed $250, to bring the total to the current figure.

The committee, chaired by Vicki Feinmel, is trying to complete a roster of Island residents who lost family members in the September 11 disaster. Feinmel can be reached at (212) 223-1108, or by e-mail at VickiFNY@aol.com.

RIRA President Matthew Katz (center) and Fund-Raising Chair Vicki Feinmel (right) received a $1,040 check from the Island's Korean community Wednesday night, presented by In Kyu Park (left). RISA President Dolores Green (seated) presented a $250 check from the Seniors Association.

The funds were raised largely at a table on Main Street manned by volunteers from the Common Council and others. In addition, merchants have hosted contribution boxes; Roosevelt Island Housing Management, Roosevelt Island Cleaners, and Roosevelt Island Bakery. Julie's Sports Cafe helped by collecting money, and Sr. Regina Palamara helped in the fund-raising campaign.

At Wednesday night's meeting, Feinmel thanked a host of residents for their work on the project, including Council members (or alternates) Dolores Green, Sherie Helstien, Rhoda Jacklin, Matthew Katz, Ruth Kolins, Cookie Lugo, Mosud Mannan, Steve Marcus, Joan Matula, Larry Parnes, Ethel Romm, Margie Smith, Jim Tendean-Luce; plus other community volunteers: Judy Arond, Isabel Bartley, Joan Blumberg, Marguerite Camaiore, Virginia Granato, Linda Heimer, Nurit Marcus, Harriet Parnes, Teri Sheridan, Fay Vass, and Michelle Vidra. Smith, Vass, and Camaiore are on Feinmel's committee.