General Dynamics Bath Iron Works is donating $100,000 to support victims and survivors of the tragic events in Lewiston, Maine on October 25th. The donation will be made to the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund at the Maine Community Foundation.
The fund will support those affected by the violence, as well as emerging needs associated with the tragedy. One-hundred percent of every dollar donated will be allocated to those affected and organizations that will help guide Lewiston-Auburn through the process of healing.
General Dynamics Bath Iron Works President Chuck Krugh said that the tragedy has had a profound effect on the BIW family. He said that their hearts are heavy with the loss of their colleague Peyton Brewer-Ross as well as the loved ones of many of their employees.
Krugh said that more than 1,000 of their shipbuilders live in the Greater Lewiston-Auburn area and are deeply affected by the loss of friends and neighbors. He said that BIW is making the donation to help support their coworkers and the communities where they live and raise their families.
Generations of Bath shipbuilders have made the drive from Lewiston down Route 196 to pursue careers building ships for the country. Krugh said that the people of Lewiston have contributed as much to their Bath-built reputation as any community outside Bath. He said that these are their people.
The Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund was created by the Maine Community Foundation. The Maine Community Foundation is a 501c3 that has been operating for 40 years and has provided more than $630 million in grants during the life of the foundation. This fund has been identified as a designated recipient by the Administration of Gov. Janet Mills.