Fundraiser: A Time to Remember Joe Fernandez
Tracey Minkin, Features Editor
Fundraiser: A Time to Remember Joe Fernandez
In the aftermath of his death in December, which shocked and saddened thousands of Rhode Islanders as well as his friends and colleagues throughout the country, several close friends are throwing a "Time" in his honor to raise college funds for his young daughters Coco and Phoebe. "A Time to Remember Joe Fernandez" will be held on Thursday, Jan 20, from 5-7pm, at the Peerless Lofts in downtown Providence.
A fitting location
The location is fitting, said Jeffrey Padwa, an attorney who worked closely with Fernandez for two years on the Obama campaign. "We held our first Obama fundraiser at the Peerless Lofts, it's where the headquarters were," he said. "The whole thing is so tragic. The day after [Joe] died, we started to do what we do best... which is a fundraiser."
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"The love from the community for Joe and the support for Emily and the girls has been overwhelming," said Selena Maranjian, sister of Fernandez's wife Emily. "So many people have offered to help in any way they can, and while what we all want most -- having Joe back among us -- is impossible, building a college fund for the girls will help boost the family's financial security and Emily's peace of mind."
"Joe died so young. He would have seen his girls through college, but now his friends want to help do that. We're so touched and grateful -- Joe and Emily chose well when they decided to move back to Rhode Island."
Padwa said that anyone may attend as a "host," meaning they make a donation to the Phoebe and Coco Education Fund, either online, here, or in person at the event. "Five dollars, a thousand dollars... whatever you want to do," he said.
"Just come and we'll talk about Joe."
To see the Facebook event for Joe Fernandez page, go here.
A Time to Remember Joe Fernandez, Jan 20, 5-7pm, The Peerless Lofts, 150 Union St, Providence.