NEW YORK – The September 11th Fund said Monday it was mailing out checks totaling $60 million, the first payments from the charity's new $75 million cash assistance program.
Fund officials said 18,000 checks were sent out. Those who were injured or lost loved ones in the terrorist attacks were to receive an initial payment of $10,000 and those who lost their homes or jobs as a result of the attacks were to receive $2,500.
The money was distributed from the roughly $112 million raised by the "Tribute to Heroes" telethon, which aired on Sept. 21. The telethon was watched by nearly 60 million viewers, and featured celebrities including Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Bruce Springsteen, Sting and Stevie Wonder.
The September 11th Fund was set up by The New York Community Trust and the United Way of New York City.
Including the proceeds from the telethon, the fund has raised contributions totaling $380 million, fund officials said. They expect to have distributed $143 million by the end of the year.
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