The Reed Allen Foundation recently allotted ten $2,500 grants for Gorham businesses to assist them during the COVID crisis. Sparked by a discussion with Kevin Jensen, Gorham’s new Economic Development Director, the Reed Allen board felt that it was part of its mission to look at ways to help, and agreed that a small infusion of cash would be the best option for businesses that affected by closures or a downturn in business.
Grateful to the Gorham firefighters for saving the building in 2012 and for the support Gorham residents gave during its renovation and his illness, Gorham House of Pizza (GHOP) owner Angelo Sotiropoulos wanted to give thanks by starting a foundation honoring the memory of Gorham police officer and close friend, John Reed. He also wanted to honor the spirit and strength of Dana Allen, a young Gorham High School graduate who died after a long battle with cancer.
The Reed Allen Foundation was established in 2013 to “build a permanent pool of funds that provides financial support for individuals, families, and businesses in the immediate aftermath of a catastrophic event…it provides a direct and quick boost of relief when finances seem an insurmountable burden.”
While GHOP was an established business with a reputation for being philanthropic in the community, Reed Allen Foundation president, Mark Curtis, said, “What happens to a business in the community that is not very old or well known when something catastrophic happens?”
Based on that and the desire to help businesses quickly, the board opted to forgo an application process as Curtis explained that many of the companies had spent time on the overwhelming process of applying for numerous loans already. Instead, the board, which is made up of a diverse mix of Gorham community members, was tasked with nominating businesses that had been hit hard by the crisis.
As one recipient wrote, “I would like to thank each of you for the generous grant that was bestowed on us last week. Being probably still one of the newest business owners here in Gorham, I am just learning of this wonderful community fund and some of its history. I love this community and its people. The goodness you have shown to me has certainly proved that.”
A second recipient shared, “I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the support of the Reed Allen Community Fund and the town of Gorham. Kevin Jensen was instrumental in making this happen. We will definitely pay it forward.”
When speaking about the community fund, Sotiropoulos added, “Our mission for the Reed Allen foundation is to give love and support for families in crisis. Hard working families who are trying to provide a roof over their heads and food for their children. The families who may not have the amount of support or love as I did.”