An Update Regarding the Downtown Clinton Fire Emergency Relief Fund

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

An Update Regarding the Downtown Clinton Fire Emergency Relief Fund

CLINTON, SC – [September 20, 2024] – The Downtown Clinton Fire Emergency Relief Fund (the Fund) currently holds a balance of $13,500, with additional donations expected. We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming generosity from our community!

The highest priority has been to ensure the affected employees, and their families are supported. From our ongoing conversations with the business owners, we are pleased to report that all affected employees have found new employment, and their immediate needs have been addressed. We commend the business owners for their swift action in caring for their employees during this challenging time.

With the needs of the employees now met, the next critical focus is on assisting the business owners themselves, helping to offset expenses incurred prior to receiving insurance settlements. In light of this need, the Fund will be distributing $2,200 to each of the six affected business owners to help cover these costs. These distributions will be made in the coming days.

The next phase will involve understanding the specifics of each insurance claim and identifying any gaps in coverage or shortfalls incurred by the property owners. Not all insurance policies are the same, particularly regarding demolition costs in the case of a total loss. As more information becomes available, we will share further updates. Please be patient, as this process may take several weeks or even longer.

One thing we do know is that we are far from having all the answers. We appreciate continued donations and will work to understand the best uses for the community as future financial needs are identified and evaluated. 

#ClintonStrong

The Main Street Clinton Board of Directors

About Main Street Clinton

Main Street Clinton is dedicated to revitalizing the historic downtown area, enhancing the business district, and improving the quality of life for residents and visitors. Since joining the SC Main Street Bootcamp program in 2017, we have focused on fostering community pride and engagement. Learn more at mainstreetclinton.org.

Rock4theBlock Music Festival

In response to the devastating fire that displaced several businesses on Musgrove Street in downtown Clinton on August 27, the community is coming together for a day of music, food, and support. The Rock 4 the Block Music Festival will be held on Sunday, September 22, from 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., featuring performances by a lineup of local musicians who volunteered to help rebuild the heart of downtown.

"It’s amazing how our community pulls together in times of crisis. Many of the musicians reached out shortly after the fire, eager to do something to help," said Jim Spry, President of Main Street Clinton. "This event is not just about music—it's about neighbors coming together to restore what was lost and show our support for the businesses affected."

The festival is free and family-friendly, with food vendors on-site. All donations collected during the event will go directly to support the displaced businesses and help restore the Musgrove Street block.

Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, enjoy the music, and connect with friends and neighbors while supporting the recovery effort.

Music Lineup:

• 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Little River Redemption

• 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Alex Eubanks Band

• 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – HWY 76

• 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Sweet Soul Band

• 4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Marvin Prince

• 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Vance Kennedy & Barksdale Station

• 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Tommy Lawson

• 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Sounz Familiar

In addition to the live music, several food trucks have been secured for the festival, with organizers hoping to add even more options. Attendees can also grab a bite from local favorites The Pasture or Pops BBQ and Country Cookin', both of which are just a short walk away from the festival grounds. Whether you choose to enjoy food truck fare or visit these Clinton eateries, there will be great options to fuel a full day of music and community support.

The Rock 4 the Block Music Festival is organized by members of Main Street Clinton, with the goal of not only raising funds but also showcasing the resilience and unity of the Clinton community.

Finding Our Way Back

The Main Street Clinton Board of Directors is grateful to all the amazing individuals, businesses, and organizations that have donated to date to the fire relief fund.  Jim Spry, the director of Main Street Clinton, is currently meeting with all the businesses and property owners affected by the fire to learn about their needs and understand how they are navigating their way forward in the aftermath of this tragedy.  We are also learning from other cities in our state and across the country how relief funds are best utilized in the short, medium, and long term recovery processes.  We will do our best to provide timely updates as decisions are made and new information comes to light.  With the resilient spirit of our community and generous support from both near and far, we will revive and thrive!