Memorial Fundraiser Launched For Woman Killed At Sam's Tavern

BELLEVUE, WA — The team at Sam's Tavern in Bellevue is leading an online memorial fundraiser to raise money in memory of Anna "Maxx" Lopez, an employee who was shot and killed while working at the bar earlier this month.

King County prosecutors filed first-degree murder charges against Lopez's estranged husband last week, alleging he fatally shot her with a stolen gun on July 5, then admitted the crime to detectives and showed no remorse.

In a GoFundMe post, organizers remembered Lopez for her signature smile and positive attitude and announced a goal to raise $100,000 in her memory for LifeWire, an Eastside non-profit whose stated goal is to end domestic violence and support survivors.

The team behind the fundraiser writes:

"While her death is sudden and unspeakably tragic, we would like to embrace that intrepid smile of hers to inspire the change that she would have liked to see in the world. If it is time to have an uncomfortable discussion about domestic violence, we would like to give Maxx the opportunity to help start that discussion. Her friends and family at Sam’s Tavern would like to celebrate her life and honor her legacy by raising awareness of domestic abuse within the food and beverage service industry. All contributions will go to support programs for domestic violence awareness."

Those looking to pitch in can donate via GoFundMe. As of Tuesday afternoon, the team had already raised close to $10,000, including an anonymous $5,000 donation.

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