Deborah Ellwood MCF President and CEO
"Dear friends of Maine,
As we awoke and began a late October Thursday, we found horrific news from Lewiston, where gun violence has struck disturbingly close to home. There are no words to express the grief, terror, and sadness that grip all of Maine today, not least our friends, colleagues, and neighbors in the Lewiston-Auburn area.
We grieve with the residents of Lewiston, and I want you to know that we are already hard at work to support recovery efforts for this wonderful community that will need our expertise, networks, and resources during the long road ahead. We will respond to this tragedy with direction from the affected community, including Maine Community Foundation’s Androscoggin County Committee and other community partners.
MaineCF has created the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund to address current and emerging needs associated with this tragedy.
With MaineCF as a conduit, 100% of every dollar donated will be allocated to people impacted and the organizations that will help guide Lewiston-Auburn through the process of healing.
Donations may be made to victims and survivors or to the broader recovery effort at the link above.
Checks may be sent to:
Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund Maine Community Foundation 245 Main Street Ellsworth, Maine 04605 (207)-667-9735
Donations to the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Funds will be distributed with deep community guidance, including from MaineCF’s statewide board, engagement by MaineCF’s Androscoggin County Committee, and community steering committees.
We must support each other and care for one another in this time of great tragedy for our state. Please reach out if you need help and take good care of yourselves and your loved ones.
Thank you."