Yonkers bar holds fundraiser for tenants displaced by deadly apartment building fire

One person was killed and several others were hurt in early March in a fast-moving fire around 1 a.m. at the Mona Lisa Co-op building on Bronx River Road.

Veronica Jean Seltzer and

News 12 Staff

Mar 25, 2023, 2:30 AM

Updated 409 days ago

Share:

A Yonkers bar held a fundraiser Friday to help people who were impacted by a deadly fire.
Dozens of people who were left without a home after the fire were at the event to have a moment of fun amidst a lot of heartbreak.
One person was killed and several others were hurt in early March in a fast-moving fire around 1 a.m. at the Mona Lisa Co-op building on Bronx River Road.
"Even when I talk about it now, it just gets me sad," said Keith Marcus, who had lived at the building for 20 years with his family.
Eventually, officials found an electric heating lamp for marijuana plants likely sparked the fire.
The fire-impacted neighbors were so thankful for the help they have received from so many, but there is still so much they need.
That is where this "Hearts and Hands" benefit came in.
The owner of Burke's Restaurant and Bar, who already hosted a food and clothing drive, had planned this fundraiser since the day of the fire.
The event also featured music and a raffle, with proceeds going to the neighbors who consider the bar like the one on "Cheers."
The neighbors just ask others not forget them as time moves on, even if all they can give is a hug.
Some of the attendees said they have stayed with family for the last several weeks and are starting to find their own places.
However, they added that they have not been able to get back into their old apartments to collect their belongings. They explained that it is hard to start over without what for some of them are decades of memories in material items.


More from News 12
1:52
Police: Child struck by vehicle in Spring Valley, taken to Westchester Medical Center

Police: Child struck by vehicle in Spring Valley, taken to Westchester Medical Center

2:24
Mild, temperatures in the 70s Tuesday in the Hudson Valley

Mild, temperatures in the 70s Tuesday in the Hudson Valley

0:29
Dutchess County Sheriff's Office rescues 90 cats living in disarray

Dutchess County Sheriff's Office rescues 90 cats living in disarray

1:42
24-year-old double organ transplant recipient hosts blood drive in Pomona

24-year-old double organ transplant recipient hosts blood drive in Pomona

1:36
‘Very best’ of PD: City of Newburgh promotes longtime lieutenant to chief

‘Very best’ of PD: City of Newburgh promotes longtime lieutenant to chief

1:49
SUNY Purchase faculty and students want disciplinary action against protesters dropped

SUNY Purchase faculty and students want disciplinary action against protesters dropped

0:50
Orange County cracks down on drivers who illegally pass school buses with cameras

Orange County cracks down on drivers who illegally pass school buses with cameras

1:56
Ceremony held to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day in White Plains

Ceremony held to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day in White Plains

1:01
Tuckahoe Village Board hears Ward House appeal

Tuckahoe Village Board hears Ward House appeal

0:23
State police work to ID body that washed ashore in Poughkeepsie

State police work to ID body that washed ashore in Poughkeepsie

0:35
Rockland DA: 23-year-old man indicted in New City driveway stabbing

Rockland DA: 23-year-old man indicted in New City driveway stabbing

1:11
SUNY Purchase creates ‘protest zone’ following encampment break up by police

SUNY Purchase creates ‘protest zone’ following encampment break up by police

0:45
Hudson River Clean Up Day celebrates 13th year

Hudson River Clean Up Day celebrates 13th year

1:53
FEMA awards Babbitt Court with grant to raise homes to reduce flooding

FEMA awards Babbitt Court with grant to raise homes to reduce flooding

1:20
Headlines: Putnam Valley man dies in excavating accident, 2 injured in Newburgh fire, man charged with larceny in Liberty

Headlines: Putnam Valley man dies in excavating accident, 2 injured in Newburgh fire, man charged with larceny in Liberty

2:15
Turn To Tara explores how to stay safe from ‘cyber kidnapping’ scams

Turn To Tara explores how to stay safe from ‘cyber kidnapping’ scams

0:47
New Rochelle hosts 'Cinco De Mile' charity event

New Rochelle hosts 'Cinco De Mile' charity event

1:51
Hundreds walk at Glen Island Park to raise money for multiple sclerosis research

Hundreds walk at Glen Island Park to raise money for multiple sclerosis research

0:30
Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

2:06
New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger