Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino yesterday announced the formation of a charitable foundation, The One Fund Boston, to raise money to help families most affected by the tragic events during Monday’s Boston Marathon.

To make a contribution, visit onefundboston.org.

“We are one Boston,” Mayor Menino said. “We are one community. As always, we will come together to help those most in need. And in the end, we will all be better for it.”

Gov. Patrick said The One Fund Boston “will act as a central fund to receive much-needed financial support.”

He added, “I am humbled by the outpouring of support by the business community and individuals who are united in their desire to help.”

Mayor Menino said support from the business community was immediate.

“Within an hour, I had calls from business leaders and local philanthropists,” he said. “And they want to do everything they can to help these people.”

The cornerstone donation to The One Fund Boston is a $1 million commitment from John Hancock, the main sponsor of the Boston Marathon.

Kenneth Feinberg, a lawyer who teaches at Harvard University and served as special master of the federal Sept. 11 Victim Compensation Fund, has agreed to administer The One Fund Boston. The Boston law firm Goodwin Procter has volunteered to organize the fund and has applied for 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service.

“Although we cannot guarantee that the IRS will make a determination that the organization qualifies as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity, if we receive approval within the expected time frame, the determination will be retroactive to the date of our formation, which is [yesterday],” said Dot Joyce, spokesperson for Menino.

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