Searsmont Emergency Relief Fund Concludes, Raising More Than $656,000 for Those Impacted by the Robbins Lumber Tragedy

The Maine Strong Memorial Foundation is honored to announce the successful conclusion of the Searsmont Emergency Relief Fund, a campaign created to provide direct financial assistance to the individuals and families impacted by the tragic Robbins Lumber explosion in Searsmont, Maine.

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of people across Maine and beyond, the Searsmont Emergency Relief Fund received:

660 contributions

and raised an incredible

$656,098

in support of those affected.

From individual donors and local businesses to corporate partners and entire communities, this outpouring of support demonstrated what makes Maine so special: when tragedy strikes, neighbors come together to help neighbors.

Funds Now Being Distributed

With the fundraising campaign now concluded, the Maine Strong Memorial Foundation has begun distributing funds to the confirmed individuals and families impacted by the tragedy. These donations will provide direct assistance to those facing unimaginable loss and hardship as they navigate the road ahead.

While the public fundraising effort has ended, any donations received specifically for the Searsmont Emergency Relief Fund will continue to be directed to the affected individuals and families.

Thank You for Your Trust

We are deeply grateful to every person, organization, and business that chose to support this effort. Your generosity entrusted us with an important responsibility, and we remain committed to ensuring these funds are distributed thoughtfully,

compassionately, and in accordance with the intent of our donors.

Every contribution, no matter the size, played a role in making a meaningful difference for those affected.

Our Mission Continues

Although this campaign has come to a close, the work of the Maine Strong Memorial Foundation continues.

Future donations to the Foundation will support our broader mission of helping Maine communities during times of crisis, including emergency relief efforts, matching campaigns, and other initiatives that allow us to respond quickly when individuals and families need help most.

Together, we are continuing the tradition of Maine people helping Maine people.

Thank you for standing with the Searsmont community and for being part of this incredible effort. 💙

-Maine Strong Memorial Foundation

Read the Messages of Support

The Searsmont Emergency Relief Fund was about more than donations. Hundreds of supporters shared heartfelt messages of encouragement, remembrance, and solidarity with those affected by the Robbins Lumber tragedy.

Explore the public supporters feed to read the kind words and generous contributions that made this campaign so meaningful.

View Supporters Feed

Emergency Relief Fund FAQ's: Searsmont Explosion

What is the Maine Strong Memorial Foundation?

The Maine Strong Memorial Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing temporary financial relief to Maine families experiencing sudden hardship, tragedy, or life-altering events.

The Foundation was established following the Lewiston tragedy and worked closely with organizations including the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and the Maine Resiliency Center to help coordinate relief efforts and provide direct financial support to impacted individuals and families. Today, the Foundation continues supporting Maine communities through emergency relief campaigns and community fundraising efforts across the state.

Are you working directly with Town of Searsmont officials regarding this relief effort?

Yes. The Maine Strong Memorial Foundation is working directly with Town of Searsmont officials, local contacts, community representatives, and affected families throughout this campaign in a collaborative and unified effort to help identify and confirm impacted individuals, coordinate support efforts, and ensure funds are distributed responsibly and transparently as additional information continues to emerge.

How is this different from an individual GoFundMe?

We recognize that during times of tragedy and hardship, immediate financial relief matters. Rather than lengthy payout timelines that can sometimes occur through individual fundraising platforms, we are able to work directly with impacted families to distribute funds quickly, including wire transfers following the conclusion of a campaign. Our goal is to have funds in the hands of families within a week of a campaign concluding whenever possible.

In addition, unlike many crowdfunding platforms, the Maine Strong Memorial Foundation does not take a percentage or cut of donations raised through our relief efforts. Our goal is to ensure funds go directly to the people they are intended to support. 

GiveButter, our hosting platform, does offer donors the option to cover processing and platform fees at checkout. When donors choose not to cover those fees, a small portion of the donation is used to cover standard platform costs, allowing the remainder to go directly to the relief fund and impacted families.

Through continued coordination with Town of Searsmont officials, local officials, community contacts, and affected families, we remain committed to providing support in a way that is transparent, responsible, compassionate, and timely.

Have previous Maine Strong Memorial Foundation relief efforts successfully supported individuals and families in need?

Yes. Over the past four years, the Maine Strong Memorial Foundation has managed and distributed more than $300,000 in direct support to individuals, families and organizations through emergency relief and community assistance efforts. Transparency, accountability, and ensuring funds reach those they are intended to help remain at the core of our mission. We are committed to managing every campaign responsibly while working closely with officials, community partners, and local contacts throughout the process.

Please note: We are NOT affiliated with the Maine Community Foundation or the City of Lewiston. During our response efforts following the 2023 Lewiston shooting, we worked in close coordination with organizations such as the Lewiston-Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and the Maine Resiliency Center to help coordinate relief efforts and provide direct financial support to impacted individuals and families.

How are individuals being identified and confirmed?

The Maine Strong Memorial Foundation is currently working directly with Town of Searsmont officials, local contacts, community representatives, and affected families throughout the campaign in a collaborative and unified effort to help identify and confirm the individuals and families impacted by this tragedy as additional details continue to emerge.

How will donations be distributed?

100% of all funds raised through this campaign will be distributed among the confirmed individuals and families impacted by this tragedy. Throughout the campaign, the Maine Strong Memorial Foundation will continue coordinating with Town of Searsmont officials, local officials, community contacts, and affected families to help confirm recipients and gather the appropriate information needed to securely and efficiently distribute funds at the conclusion of the campaign. Our goal is to ensure support reaches those impacted as quickly, transparently, compassionately, and responsibly as possible.

Will donations go directly to those impacted?

Yes. 100% of donations raised through this Emergency Relief Fund will go directly to the confirmed individuals and families impacted by this tragedy.

Is the Maine Strong Memorial Foundation matching donations?

Yes. The Maine Strong Memorial Foundation will match up to $1,000 for each confirmed individual impacted by this tragedy, including the family of the firefighter who lost their life.

Can I donate by check?

Yes. Donations can be made by check and mailed to:

Maine Strong Memorial Foundation

Attn: Robert Blaisdell

44 Woodside Dr

Lewiston, ME 04240

Please make checks payable to Maine Strong Memorial Foundation. If your donation is intended for the Searsmont Emergency Relief Fund, please note “Searsmont Emergency Relief Fund” in the memo line.

How quickly will support be distributed?

Our goal is to distribute funds as quickly as possible following the close of the campaign. At this time, we anticipate distributing funds within approximately one week after the campaign closes, provided we are able to connect with impacted individuals’ family members or designated contacts and gather the appropriate information needed to securely wire funds. Our priority is ensuring support reaches families as quickly, responsibly, and efficiently as possible.

What if a family or individual chooses not to receive funds?

Accepting support is entirely voluntary. If one of the impacted individuals or families chooses not to receive funds, their portion will be redistributed among the other confirmed individuals and families impacted by the tragedy.

Can businesses or organizations support this relief effort?

Absolutely. Businesses and organizations interested in supporting this campaign or participating in donation matching are encouraged to contact us at mainestrongdonations@gmail.org.

Are donations tax deductible?

Yes. The Maine Strong Memorial Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations may be tax deductible as allowed by law.

What happens to funds raised outside of a specific emergency relief campaign?

Donations received outside of a designated emergency relief campaign (including events such as our annual softball tournament) are held to support future relief efforts. These funds allow us to respond quickly when needs arise, continue matching and supplementing campaign donations when possible, and provide ongoing financial assistance to Maine families in need during times of crisis.