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Out of one of Rhode Island's darkest moments, there emerged a beacon of hope and healing. The Station Nightclub fire, which claimed 100 lives and left countless others forever changed, could have ended as a tragedy. Instead, it became a catalyst for national and international fire code reforms, and a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and forgiveness.

At the heart of this transformation stands Gina Russo. A survivor of the fire who lost her fiancé that night, Gina sustained life-threatening burns and emerged, after months in a coma, to become a driving force for healing and remembrance. Her unwavering energy and dedication would lead to the creation of a memorial park at the former nightclub site, ensuring that those who perished would never be forgotten.

"What we are doing now – it's all about Gina, and what she's done for all of us," says Jody King, who lost his younger brother, Tracy, in the fire. "She is the inspiration. What an amazing person, who came through this tragedy more beautiful than before. We never want anyone to forget what a special woman Gina Russo is."

The Gina Russo Fund represents an extraordinary collaboration between unlikely partners. When Jody King joined forces with Jeffrey and Michael Derderian, former Station Nightclub owners and Jody’s childhood friends, they channeled their shared grief into positive action. Their initial effort, the Station Education Fund, supported the 76 children who lost parents in the February 2003 fire, providing everything from school supplies to college scholarships.

"We asked ourselves ‘What can we do to help?’” reflects Jody. “When something like this happens, you find your meaning in life.”

As these children grew into adults, the mission evolved. A portion of the remaining funds have now been entrusted to the Rhode Island Foundation by Jody and the Derderian brothers to establish the Gina Russo Fund, supporting burn survivors, their families, first responders, and medical professionals affected by burn-related injuries and trauma. The decision to partner with the Foundation was a carefully considered one. "The Rhode Island Foundation can grow the Fund in ways that we can't...no matter how many fundraising events we organize," explains Jody.

Through the Foundation's stewardship, the fund will continue its vital work in perpetuity, transforming tragedy into lasting, positive change. As Michael Derderian notes, "The strength and courage of Gina Russo – how many lives she has touched because of her choices and dedication...we can't go back in time and change it, but people like Gina and Jody – they help us to heal. It's remarkable."