How to Support Heather Abbott This Weekend

Newport resident Heather Abbott told reporters Thursday she's "overwhelmed" by the outpouring of support she has received after she was injured by one of the shrapnel-packed bombs in the Boston Marathon bombing. The incident killed three and wounded more than 200. At least 14 of the wounded have had amputations. Read the full story of that tragic day here.  

Many have reached out and asked: “How can I show support Heather?”  

Here are a couple ways you can get involved this weekend:

• Saturday – St. Mary’s Church on Spring Street will hold a prayer Mass for Heather on Saturday night at 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday - The Dockside is hosting a fundraising event for Heather starting at 2:00 p.m. Music by Those Guys.
• A fund has been set up by Abbott’s family to accept donations online. Click here to donate.

As during any major tragedy, it’s important to remain vigilant when donating money. The fundraising activities listed above have been verified by Heather's family. In general, it is always best to donate money by check and make it out to the charity name, not the fundraiser or a person. Beware of professional fundraisers who try to make their solicitations appear as if they are a message from volunteers or a charity.

If you want to be certain Heather will get the money this weekend and are not attending the event at Dockside, it is best to donate directly to her online fund.