Newtown Memorial Fund

The Newtown Memorial Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping the families affected by the December 14, 2012 shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. The mission of the organization is to provide for the immediate and ongoing needs of the families of the 26 victims, to contribute toward a last physical memorial, and to move the community forward.

History and organization

The Newtown Memorial Fund was founded by Brian Mauriello on December, 14, 2012 following the shooting that claimed 26 victims. Mauriello also serves as the organization's Chairman. The organization is composed entirely of volunteers and was granted 501(c)(3) non-profit status by the Internal Revenue Service on February 26, 2013. The status allows the organization to accept tax-deductible donations from individuals and corporations.

The Board contains members with backgrounds in law, accounting, psychology, education and law enforcement.

Fundraising and events

Applebees restaurants in Connecticut hosted fundraiser breakfasts on January 6, 2013, with all proceeds benefiting the Newtown Memorial Fund.

On January 7, 2013, the Hartford Courant reported that every six minutes during the day, the Newtown Memorial Fund received an online donation.

By the time the IRS had granted the 501(c)(3) status, the Newton Memorial Fund had raised over $1 million. Mauriello expected that with the charity status, corporate donations would push the fundraising tally over $8 million. On February 28, 2013, the Manchester Police gave a check totaling $27,890.35. The figure came from donations and the selling of custom-designed shirts.

The Newtown Memorial Fund established a long-term relationship with Pura Vida Bracelets in March 2013. The bracelets would be sold by the Newtown Memorial Fund, and would collect all proceeds.

In April 2013, LeBron James put up a pair of game-worn sneakers with "NEWTOWN, CT" written on them for auction. The proceeds would be donated to the Newtown Memorial Fund through the LeBron James Family Foundation and the minimum bid on the sneakers was set at $5,000.

Alex Lotko, a Baylor School freshman and resident of Newtown organized an April 27, 2013, 5k and one mile fun run with proceeds going to the Newtown Memorial Fund.

The Newtown Memorial Fund held the 1st Annual Newtown Memorial Fund Golf Outing on August 13, 2013, at Whitney Farms in Monroe, Connecticut.