Providence, R.I. (AP) — A group working to build a permanent memorial at the site of a nightclub fire that killed 100 people has hired a professional fundraiser ahead of the fire's 11th anniversary.

The Station Fire Memorial Foundation has had trouble raising the hundreds of thousands of dollars it needs for a memorial to the Feb. 20, 2003, fire in West Warwick.

Foundation President Gina Russo says they were skeptical about spending money on a professional fundraiser, but they determined they wouldn't have a project if they can't raise the money. She says he's working at a greatly reduced price.

An annual memorial service will be held Sunday at Warwick City Hall. The gathering is usually done at the fire site, but that is closed so crews can work on the memorial.