LEWISTON, Maine — It has been nearly three months since the tragic mass shooting in Lewiston, and the community's road to recovery continues.
One local establishment, Governor's Restaurant, is taking a step to support the affected families and individuals.
On Tuesday night, all six locations of Governor's Restaurant are hosting a "Lewiston Fund Benefit Night" to provide ongoing assistance.
The event aims to contribute to the healing process and extend a helping hand to those impacted by the Lewiston shooting.
During the benefit night, 10 percent of all sales, including dine-in and takeout orders, will be donated to the Maine Community Foundation’s Victim and Families Fund.
This fund plays a crucial role in providing support to the families of those killed, individuals who were injured, and those who witnessed the tragedy. It helps them cope with the aftermath and the trauma experienced.
"This one obviously touches very deep to us. It's taken a while for our team to put themselves back together down there. It really shakes you to the core, that type of event. It could have happened at our restaurant. We would just like to try and give back, and honestly, this will be a need in Lewiston for a long time," Jason Clay, owner of Governor's Restaurant said.
The mass shooting has left a lasting impact on the city, affecting not only the victims' families but also the entire community.
Employees at Governor's Restaurant shared their perspectives on how the tragedy has deeply affected Lewiston.
"A lot of our employees had to have time off for funerals; they've lost friends and knew a number of people at the bowling alley and bar. We actually did after-funeral parties here in the back room for families of the victims. Governor's was deeply touched and moved, and we have been waiting for the right time to make sure that we could chip in and do something. Even people who weren't affected were affected here in Lewiston. It's changed how we live here, looking over our shoulders, and changed how we feel overall," Betty Lincoln, regional manager of Governor's in Lewiston, said.
"The struggle is real; there is still a sense of uneasiness around the community in the evening that people are afraid to do anything out socially. We are all healing in different ways, whatever the community needs. I still think we are a long way out from being able to feel normality outbound in our community settings," Sonia Lambert, general manager, said.
Whether dining in or opting for takeout, every purchase contributed to the cause. The event serves as a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, communities can come together to make a difference.
Following the events Tuesday night, Governor's was able to raise approximately $2,000.