It is truly beyond words to express the appreciation that we feel for the Sewall Foundation. Our shelter manger Betsy Hallett applied for a Grant through the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation and we recently found out they were gifting us $200,000 for our new building project.
We have been working hard to raise funds to build a new shelter. We’ve had very successful fundraisers, a letter writing campaign, a GoFundMe page and numerous random donations that have been given. But this Sewall Grant really gave us the boost that we needed. The projected building cost was unfortunately higher than we had hoped, so we still have a way to go before we reach our goal. But we are excited and determined to continue working hard to raise the needed funds to break ground and complete this safe and energy-efficient shelter for our animals and employees.
So just who was this beautiful and generous lady? As a child, Elmina Brewster Sewall was given two piggy banks. Her weekly allowance was divided equally: half in a piggy bank designated for her own spending and half in a piggy bank marked “Charity”. This began Elmina’s lifelong commitment to helping those in need. She focused her volunteer and philanthropic efforts on animal welfare, land conservation, and issues affecting human well-being.
In 1996, Mrs. Sewall was named Citizen of the Year by the chamber of commerce in her hometown of Kennebunk, Maine. She stated then with typical humble grace: “I like to help people out…I like to do what I can.” Mrs. Sewall passed away in 2005, but her legacy continues through her Foundation. Through her personal giving as well as that of the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, which she established in 1982, Mrs. Sewall has had a profound impact on life in Kennebunk and the State of Maine, and especially the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
We are truly humbled and so very grateful for this amazing gift.
Stop by or check out our Facebook page for pets available for adoption.
Please be responsible: spay and neuter your pets.
Gloria J. Towle is the secretary and a member of the Central Aroostook Humane Society board of directors.
