“Cake Boss” star Buddy Valastro will co-host an event later this month to help raise fund for Hoboken businesses that have been hurt by COVID-19, the first event organized by the Hoboken Relief Fund.Â
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“As you may have seen in the announcement [Friday] afternoon, I’m proud to share that Hoboken has launched a relief fund to help benefit our small businesses and individuals who have been impacted by COVID-19,” Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in his daily COVID-19 update.
“This is an important way for our community to come together and support those who need our help now, more than ever. The first fundraising event will feature a number of Hoboken artists and will be co-hosted by Hoboken’s own, Buddy Valastro from the Cake Boss, and take place on Saturday, May 16. To donate for this cause, please visit www.HobokenReliefFund.com.”
Saturday morning, Bhalla released further information on the event, noting that he will co-host with Valastro on the City of Hoboken’s Facebook page. He also said that the fund aims to raise $2 million.
He also thanked Council President Jen Giattino, 5th Ward Councilman Phil Cohen, and the relief fund board for getting this project up and running.
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to ensure that our small businesses will be supported and I am hopeful that they will be able to receive funding that will help secure their future,” Giattino said in a statement.
“It is amazing to see Hoboken’s musicians and Hoboken’s celebrity chef, Buddy Valastro, come together and support our local businesses and families who are hurting right now. Our benefit concert will be an exciting kickoff to our Fund’s goal of raising $2 million,” added Cohen.
Valastro owns Carlo’s Bakery, located at 95 Washington St., which has gained national attention since becoming the main filming location of TLC’s “Cake Boss” show – which premiered back in April 2009.
Hoboken Relief Fund Board of Trustees
Council members Jen Giattino and Phil Cohen (Co-chairs)
Joe Barry
David Bistany (Rotary Club of Hoboken Representative)
Donna Garban (Hoboken Business Alliance Representative)
Irene Perello, Secretary
Grant Sahag, Treasurer
Lavon Smith
Inter-faith Advisors (in formation)
Rabbi Robert Scheinberg
The Rev. Elaine Ellis Thomas
City/Arts Community Liaison
Geri Fallo, Hoboken Administrator of Cultural Affairs
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with new information.
