Main Street Fire fund closes after providing almost $500,000 to displaced employees

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — On August 11, 2025, a fire broke out on Main Street in Salt Lake City. Downtown Alliance’s employee assistance fund was created to help displaced employees and has raised almost $500,000.

Almost a month after a fire broke out and destroyed five businesses in Salt Lake City, displacing 160 employees, the employee assistance fund has closed. In total, the fund distributed $494,000 to employees to help with their essentials.

“Salt Lakers show up for each other, and this response has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Dee Brewer, executive director of the Downtown Alliance. “From five-dollar QR code donations at the Farmers Market to major philanthropic gifts, this campaign provided workers who woke up unemployed August 12, a bridge to their next opportunity.”

Reportedly, more than 1,600 individuals contributed to the assistance fund. Additionally, the Downtown Alliance recognized major contributions from Matthew and Tatiana Prince, the Larry H. Miller company, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, and the Salt Lake Chamber.

Ty Burrell, a SLC business owner known for his acting role on ‘Modern Family’, also promoted fundraising efforts, prompting donations on a national scale.

The first round of funds was disbursed to employees on August 19, 2025. At the disbursement event, Downtown Alliance SLC and other organizations hosted a resource fair to connect displaced employees with jobs. Additionally, they connected employees with free therapy sessions and meal vouchers.

The second and final round of disbursement checks was mailed to affected employees on September 4, 2025. 100% of all funds raised went directly to employees, and the Downtown Alliance reportedly absorbed all administrative and transaction costs.

“This tragedy underscored the resilience and generosity of Salt Lake City,” said Dee Brewer, Executive Director of the Downtown Alliance. “Neighbors supported neighbors and turned heartbreak into hope. While the fund has now closed, our work isn’t done — we remain committed to helping property owners and business owners rebuild this block and restore its vibrancy.”