Probate judge reviews Crawford fund-raising effort

Probate judge reviews Crawford fund-raising effort

YOUNGSTOWN — The president of the foundation that conducted a major fund-raising effort on behalf of surviving members of the Crawford family after the Jan. 23 East Side house fire that killed six people said the foundation is legitimate and the money raised is going for its intended purpose.

Tabitha Hunter of McGuffey Road, president of the Progressing Foundation, testified today in Mahoning County Probate Court the foundation is registered with the IRS as a nonprofit organization.

Hunter spoke at a hearing scheduled by Probate Judge Mark A. Belinky to ascertain details of the fundraising and distribution and to ensure the donated money was going to the intended beneficiaries.

“In the chaos of this horrific tragedy, a lot of people are trying to do the right thing,” the judge said, adding that he has “no pre-conceived notions about what happened and whether there was any wrongdoing.”

The judge said, however, “We have a very, very generous community, and we need to assure the public that the money goes to its intended purpose” to pay for the funerals and help support the survivors.

Immediately after the arson fire at 1645 Stewart Ave. that killed six members of the Crawford family, Hunter said the foundation opened an account at National City Bank to accept donations for Retia Crawford, 19, and her brother, Julius Crawford, 17, who escaped from the burning house.

For the complete story, see Saturday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.