NORWAY — A local business has made a significant contribution to the Beth’s House Fund.

New Horizon Capital Investments LLC, owned by Harvey and Dawn Solomon, made a $5,000 contribution to help the 24-year-old West Paris woman who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy and wasn’t supposed to live past her second birthday.

Lois Strauss of Norway, a member of the Beth’s House Committee, made the announcement saying Solomon was “deeply moved when he read about Beth Coffin in the newspaper a few months ago.” She said the couple is hopeful that their gift will encourage other businesses to contribute. New Horizon is currently renovating the Odd Fellows hall on Main Street.

Strauss said more than $16,000 has been raised so far toward the effort.

Others who have contributed to the effort include Trinity Lutheran Church in Paris, which raised $2,300, and challenged other churches to contribute. A recent benefit concert with Brad Hooper and other area musicians at the Celebration Barn raised $1,700. Another $1,000 was donated anonymously, Strauss said.

In addition to suffering from spinal muscular atrophy, Beth has two
blood diseases and scoliosis that has left her wheelchair bound. She
and her mother Bonnie and stepfather Gary live in an old mobile home
with a stick built addition that is heated only with wood. Ceilings are
leaking and mold and rot are evident in the bathroom along with a
myriad of other problems. The house will be made livable for the winter
until enough money is raised to build a new one, committee members said.

Strauss said Community Concepts, a 501 (c)(3) organization is acting as the fiscal agent for the committee. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to Community Concepts and made out to Beth’s House. Donations may also be made to a special account at the Norway Savings Bank. For more information call Jim Wilkins at Community Concepts at 333-6400.

ldixon@sunjournal.com