DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Catholic Foundation of Maine is announces that available distributions from its endowment funds will exceed $1 million for the first time. The endowment funds benefit churches, parish programs, schools, tuition assistance, social justice outreach initiatives, vocations, and other ministries across Maine. Anyone may give to the endowments, and new endowments can be opened throughout the year.

CFM was established in 2003 to provide people with the opportunity to support and create lasting endowments that will enhance the work of the Catholic Church in Maine. The foundation manages the funds to ensure the long-term viability of the endowments so that the charitable wishes of the donors are carried out.

“Distributions from the endowments are making a real difference in many lives. The founders of new endowments and those who have made significant gifts to them are looking to the future while demonstrating their faith and generosity in the present,” Elizabeth Badger, executive director of CFM, said.

Some of the newly-established funds this year include the Brother Irenee Richard, OP, Endowment for the new St. Catherine of Siena Residence for Women and the St. Martin de Porres Residence for Men in Lewiston, and the Hanna Powell Endowment for the Arts at St. Thomas School in Sanford. Funds have also been established to benefit St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Bangor and St. Michael School in Augusta.

To create an endowment with the Catholic Foundation of Maine or to contribute to an existing one, contact Elizabeth Badger at 207-321-7820 or elizabeth.badger@portlanddiocese.org. For more information, visit the foundation’s website at www.catholicfoundationmaine.org.

— Dave, no town

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m reaching out to local communities for help with our Mother’s Day Bake Sale and Bottle Drive. Would you like to help Tommy’s Feral Feline Friends? Tommy’s is looking for bakers and baked goods for our special Mother’s Day Bake Sale and Bottle Drive from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 12 and 13 in front of Chapter 11 under the tent, 707 Main St., Lewiston.

Your baked goods, bottles and donations will go a long way to help us continue to save the lives of the forgotten feral of the colonies and others crossing our paths every day.

For the past 40 years, Tommy’s Feral Feline Friends can continue this important mission. With the autumn storm, horrendous winter, and all the sick kitties, we are in need of funds more than ever to rebuild the colonies and care for the kitties with special needs as well as the daily care for all the kitties.

Tommy’s team works 365 days a year and receives no federal and state funding. We are a nonprofit No Kill organization supporting feral cats and animals. In addition to feeding and sheltering the kitties, Tommy’s provides spaying and neutering, vaccinations, and other medical care to the animals.

For more information, please contact Norm Blais at normblais39@yahoo.com. Donations are always appreciated and can be sent to Tommy’s Feral Feline Friends, P.O. Box 274, Greene, Maine 04236

Thank you so much for your generosity and kindness.

— Norm, Greene

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