LEWISTON, Maine – A survivor-led nonprofit organization says more than $84,000 has now been directly distributed to victims and survivors of the October 25, 2023 Lewiston mass shooting, following a donation effort sparked earlier this year by a local nonprofit organization.
According to a statement released Thursday, VictimsFirst collected and disbursed a total of $84,772.82 to families of those killed, survivors who were wounded, and others impacted by the shootings at Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley and Schemengees Bar & Grille.
The effort began after decided on March 3 to transfer its $65,521.79 grant from the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund to for direct distribution to survivors and victims’ families.
VictimsFirst President Dr. Zachary Blair said the Root Cellar’s decision inspired additional donations.
“The Root Cellar showed what it looks like when an organization puts victims first. They truly turned compassion into action,” Blair said. “That example inspired others to give, creating a vital lifeline for those whose lives were shattered on October 25, 2023.”
VictimsFirst said the entire amount, including accrued interest, was distributed through 33 separate disbursements to assist individuals facing ongoing financial hardship connected to the shootings.
Additional donors recognized in the statement included Amy and Jeff Sussman, the aunt and uncle of murder victim Maxx Hathaway.
According to VictimsFirst, the money was used to help cover food, rent, utility bills, car payments, childcare, transportation costs, dental bills, auto repairs, children’s mental health needs, and other expenses tied to the aftermath of the shooting.
The organization also thanked the for helping connect survivors with affordable housing resources, interpreter services for members of the deaf community, and referrals for direct financial assistance.
VictimsFirst said its goal has been to help alleviate financial pressure that continues to impact survivors and victims’ families more than two years after the tragedy.
The nonprofit stated it continues to assist two survivors currently seeking remote employment opportunities in the area.
VictimsFirst also said it took no administrative fees from the donations and that all work related to the effort was completed pro bono.
To date, the organization said it has collected $325,926 for Lewiston victims’ families and survivors, with all funds distributed directly to those affected.
VictimsFirst is a national survivor-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by survivors of mass shootings to assist victims and families impacted by similar tragedies across the country. The organization said it has distributed more than $11 million in direct cash payments to survivors and victims’ families nationwide.
