Just a few years ago, Sumner Fernald “Ricky” Richards IV and Moira Rose Mahegan would be on the first trip out to help with hurricane relief. Now, as owners of S. Fernald’s Country Store in Damariscotta, the couple is raising funds for All Hands Volunteers, a disaster relief organization they volunteered with in the past.
Based in Mattapoisett, Mass., All Hands Volunteers responds to areas impacted by natural disasters to not only help rebuild structures, but also to help renew a sense of community through projects like weekly movie nights for children.
Through previous volunteer experiences for other organizations, both Richards and Mahegan separately learned about All Hands Volunteers and signed on for different projects. Their paths didn’t cross until they both volunteered in Staten Island after Hurricane Sandy.
“The work this program does, both domestic and internationally, is really amazing,” Mahegan said. “You’re working alongside a group of like-minded people helping a community rebuild, and you’re there long after the disaster ends.”
The couple moved back to Lincoln County a couple years ago, shortly before Richards took over the operation of S. Fernald’s Country Store from his father, Sumner Fernald Richards III.
Due to their responsibilities to the business, Richards and Mahegan are not able to join All Hands for another volunteer effort in response to Hurricane Irma, which has caused 55 deaths and an estimated $62 billion in damage to Florida, Puerto Rico, and islands in the Caribbean.
All Hands currently has a team en route to the U.S. Virgin Islands to assist in the immediate response. While Richards and Mahegan were unable to join the team, they wanted to provide some sort of assistance. Donations fund All Hands’ work, so the business owners decided to hold a raffle for a Fernald’s gift certificate.
However, after speaking to other area business owners, the prize quickly grew. Pine Tree Yarns, Stars Jewelry, Renys, River Bottom Raw Bar, Riverside Butcher Co., and Wicked Scoops have all agreed to participate in the raffle, Mahegan said.
Starting Saturday, Sept. 16, tickets will be available for purchase at Fernald’s, with other locations to be announced on the store’s Instagram and Facebook pages. Tickets are $5 each or three for $10.
After learning of Richards and Mahegan’s efforts, the committee behind the Twin Villages Business Forum also offered to pitch in. Attendees of the Sept. 22 forum will have the opportunity to purchase tickets at the event or donate directly to the organization.
“One of the businesses in our community has recognized this need and is doing what they can to help, and we want to support them in this effort,” said committee member Mary Kate Reny.
The time and place of the drawing will be announced on Fernald’s Instagram and Facebook pages. In the future, the store hopes to have more fundraisers similar to this one.
“We’re starting small, but we hope to build on it,” Richards said.
For more information about All Hands Volunteers, go to hands.org.
